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Microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy is a procedure performed to remove a ruptured or herniated portion of a disc. A herniated disc occurs when the outer portion of the disc tears and releases internal disc material out into the spinal canal. The displaced disc material can press against adjacent spinal nerves, which can cause a number of painful and bothersome symptoms. These symptoms include back pain and numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities. Since herniated discs most frequently occur in the lumbar (lower) spine, the symptoms are usually felt in the low back, buttocks, legs, and feet.

The?goal of a microdiscectomy and arthroscopic microdiscectomy is to remove any disc material placing pressure on the nerves, thereby alleviating symptoms. During the procedure, a surgeon removes a portion of bone necessary to access the herniated disc, and then uses tiny tools to remove any disc material and tissues required for the decompression. The aim of the procedure is the same as that of a discectomy, except a microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed with aid of microscopic magnification. With a microdiscectomy, the tissue and muscle damage is minimal, so scarring is reduced and recovery time is much quicker than that of traditional open back surgery.

Most cases of a bulging or herniated disc can be treated with conservative therapies, and surgery is only considered?if conservative treatment has failed as an option for relief?Herniated disc treatment usually begins with bed rest, hot and cold compression, over-the-counter medication, or physical therapy. The next step in treatment often involves prescription pain medication or epidural steroid injections.

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Patients who try several months of conservative herniated disc treatment but still feel severe and limiting pain often are candidates for microdiscectomy. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) – the largest spine surgery center in the world – offers a microdiscectomy alternative that has an extremely high success rate and leaves most patients with improved symptoms in as little as a few days. To learn more about our revolutionary procedures, contact us today. We can review your MRI or CT scan for free.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.