Microdiscectomy: Minimally Invasive Disc Herniation Surgery

When a herniated disc does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention is necessary. Microdiscectomy is a modern technique that removes the herniation through a minimal incision using endoscopic technology.

What is a microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon removes the fragment of a herniated disc that is compressing a nerve root. The operation is performed through an incision smaller than 1 cm using an endoscope or operating microscope, ensuring high precision and minimal tissue disruption.

Indications for surgery

• Disc herniation with significant radicular symptoms
• Failure of conservative treatment over 6-8 weeks
• Progressive weakness or numbness in an extremity
• Cauda equina syndrome (emergency indication)

The procedure

The patient lies face down. Almost all of our lumbar endoscopic operations are done under spinal anaesthesia: the patient is awake, feels nothing below the waist and avoids the risks of general anaesthesia; the anaesthetist and surgeon decide per patient. The surgeon introduces an endoscope through a small skin puncture and, guided by the camera, removes the protruding disc fragment. The nerve root is freed from compression. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes.

Advantages over open surgery

• Incision smaller than 1 cm versus 5-7 cm in open surgery
• Minimal blood loss
• Same-day or next-day discharge
• Return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks
• No brace required after surgery

Recovery and rehabilitation

Most patients notice a significant reduction in radicular pain immediately after surgery. Most patients walk on their own within 1 to 4 hours. Office work is typically possible within 1-2 weeks, while physical labor can resume after 4-6 weeks.