What Is Microdiscectomy?

Spinal surgery once meant large incisions, long recovery periods, and painful rehab. Fortunately, surgical advances like the microdiscectomy procedure have improved the process.

Microdiscectomy, also sometimes called microdecompression or microdiskectomy, is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure performed on patients with a herniated lumbar disc. During this surgery, a surgeon will remove portions of the herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve column.

According to a study microdiscectomy is effective at eliminating sciatica pain caused by disc herniation. Sciatica is a pain condition caused by compression of the spinal nerve. This compression is most often the result of a herniated lumbar disc.


As the hernia develops and the damaged tissue extends into the spinal column, it pushes on the nerves. This causes the nerves to send pain signals to the brain. The pain is interpreted to be coming from the legs.

A microdiscectomy is typically recommended for patients who have:

• Experienced leg pain for at least six weeks
• Not found sufficient pain relief with conservative treatment.


During a microdiscectomy, a small incision will be made directly over the affected disc. A lighted microscope will help your surgeon see the affected area. The surgeon may remove a small portion of bone that protects the root nerve. With a scissor-like tool, your surgeon will remove the damaged herniated tissue relieving the pressure on the nerve. The spinal nerve now has the space it needs inside the spinal column, so any pain caused by pinching on the nerve should stop.

The recovery time is shorter than other, more invasive procedures. Most people can expect to leave the hospital that same day, or within 24 hours.