MIS Microdiscectomy
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY MICRODISCECTOMY
WHAT IS IT?
Microdiscectomy, also known as microdecompression surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure typically performed for a lumbar herniated disk. It involves removing a piece of the herniated disk that is impinging on spinal nerve roots. Almost immediately after surgery, patients will feel leg pain relief because pressure has been relieved from the spinal nerve root. On the contrary, the spinal nerve root might take weeks or months to fully heal.
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
A small incision is made in the region of the lower back. A tubular retractor system and microscope is used to access the pathology. Sometimes, a small portion of the facet joint is removed to facilitate access to the disc space of the herniated disc that has impinged a spinal nerve root. Once there, the spinal nerve root is gently retracted to expose the herniated disk before removing the herniated disk. Recovery time from this procedure is faster than open surgery where the exposures are larger, and patients can discharge as early as the day of surgery.