Minimally Invasive Discectomy

Minimally invasive discectomy is also known as microdecompression and is a back pain surgery. In this surgical procedure a small portion of the disc material under the nerve root or bone over the nerve root is taken off so that the compression on the nerves can be relieved and it provides for a better environment for the nerve to heal.

Why Minimally Invasive Discectomy Are Performed

In majority of the cases this surgical technique is performed for lumbar herniated disc. This surgical technique is known to be more effective in treating leg pain that is caused by sciatica nerve and is also known as radiculopathy. The patients who have undergone this surgical procedure for leg pain have reported almost immediate relief after a microdiscectomy surgery.

About the Minimally Invasive Discectomy Surgery- How it’s performed?

This surgical procedure is performed through a small incision that is not bigger than 1 to 11/2 inch.  This incision is made in the midline of the low back.  Then the back muscles are lifted from the lamina of the spine. The surgeon then with the help of an operating microscope visualizes the nerve roots and he enters the spine by removing the membrane over the nerve roots. The disc material is then removed by moving the nerve root gently to the side.

Minimally Invasive Discectomy Recovery

Most often than not, this surgical procedure is done on an out-patient basis which means that the patient is not required to stay overnight in the hospital after the surgery.  After the operation the patients are usually able to return to normal life and activities in a short period of time. Although activities like bending, twisting and lifting are usually restricted for at least the first six weeks after the operation.