What is a microdiscectomy?
A microdiscectomy is a procedure done in the lumbosacral spine through an incision of approximately 1 inch, depending upon the patient’s size; the incision may have to be slightly larger in obese patients. It is an outpatient procedure. That is, a same-day surgery procedure, where the patient goes home the same day of surgery with minimal muscle dissection. The incision is smaller than that used for any kind of endoscopic procedures that are currently being performed. By this procedure, we are able to visualize the spinal elements, nerve roots and remove pieces of discs that have herniated or are ready to herniate from the disc space. It is approximately 96 % successful and causes minimal blood loss, usually less than the equivalent of of a shot glass. There are minimal risks involved, including infection, which is approximately 1-2 %. Most patients have physical therapy the same day. They are usually able to return to work within a month with some sitting restrictions and no heavy lif
