What is a Lumbar Microdiscectomy
A lumbar microdiscectomy also known as microdecompression is a minimally invasive surgery used to remove the portion of a herniated disc that is irritating or inflaming the nerve root. A microdiscectomy is performed through a small incision in the middle of the lower back. This surgery can help relieve leg or back pain if alternative methods, such as physical therapy or pain medications, have proven ineffective. This microdecompression procedure for the herniated or degenerated disc pressing on an affected nerve is removed in order to relieve the pressure.
Who is a candidate for microdiscectomy
People who are experiencing leg pain from a herniated disc that has not been resolved in over six weeks and have failed on other therapies are the most typical candidates. If the pain is severe and interferes with their activities of daily living or they are unable to sleep or work, a minimally invasive microdiscectomy may be the best solution sooner than six weeks.
Understanding the microdiscectomy procedure
Lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery and is performed as an outpatient. Anesthesia should eliminate any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Typically the surgeon will insert a small tube into the lower back. The herniated disc is then removed with specialized tools, using the tube as a guide. The surgeon then uses operating glasses or an operating microscope to be able to clearly see the nerve root. The fragments of disc that are displaced will be removed, the incision is then closed and bandaged. Alternately, the surgeon may choose to use lasers to remove the disc. In either case, the incision will be very small and should heal quickly.
Risks and complications
As with any surgery, there are risks involved, such as reaction to the anesthesia, blood clots, excessive bleeding, and infection. Complications specific to microdiscectomy can be nerve damage or persistent pain, bladder incontinence and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Expected recovery time
One of the advantages of minimally invasive surgery is it is an outpatient procedure. Patients are typically are released to go home after a few hours. Recovery times vary from patient to patient but many people can return to work within a week or so. Typically doctors recommend abstaining from bending, twisting or lifting for a period of six weeks after surgery. Patients are given a course of physical therapy exercises to perform. Physical therapy will help the patient regain strength in the back after surgery.
If you are suffering from a herniated disc and would like to understand if a lumbar microdiscectomy is the right treatment option for you contact us for a consultation with one of our spine surgeons.
Recent Posts
Managing Post-Surgical Pain: The Benefits Of Personalized Care Plans
After surgery, pain management is one of the most important things you need to finalize to help support your recovery.
Knee Arthroscopy: What Conditions Can This Procedure Treat?
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure with multiple applications. Learn how this surgery helps different knee conditions.
Debunking Joint Surgery Myths: Can You Really Go Home The Same Day?
Joint surgery no longer requires long hospital stays. Learn how same-day discharge works, who qualifies, and why recovery at home is often possible.
The ASC Advantage: Why Choosing An Outpatient Center Saves Time
Performing elective or minimally invasive procedures at an outpaitne center has many benefits. Enjoy these amazing time saving features.
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
Recent Posts
Knee Arthroscopy: What Conditions Can This Procedure Treat?
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure with multiple applications. Learn how this surgery helps different knee conditions.
Debunking Joint Surgery Myths: Can You Really Go Home The Same Day?
Joint surgery no longer requires long hospital stays. Learn how same-day discharge works, who qualifies, and why recovery at home is often possible.
The ASC Advantage: Why Choosing An Outpatient Center Saves Time
Performing elective or minimally invasive procedures at an outpaitne center has many benefits. Enjoy these amazing time saving features.
Modern Joint Replacement: Why Outpatient Surgery Is Now The Standard
Joint replacement turns modern. With outpatient surgery, patients get improved joint health and a host of recovery benefits.
