Lumbar Discectomy

About Lumbar Discectomy

Lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the portion of a herniated or ruptured disc in the lower back that has pushed out of its normal space and is pressing on a nearby spinal nerve root, typically causing pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down the leg, a pattern often referred to as sciatica. The surgeon accesses the spine through an incision in the lower back, carefully moves aside the muscles and, if necessary, a small portion of bone or ligament, to reach the affected disc, and removes only the herniated fragment causing the compression while leaving the healthy remainder of the disc in place. This relieves pressure on the nerve root and typically brings rapid improvement in leg pain, although numbness or weakness may take longer to resolve. Lumbar discectomy is usually recommended after a period of conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, medication, or injections, has failed to adequately relieve symptoms, or sooner if there are signs of significant nerve compromise. Most patients are mobilized within a day of surgery and can return to light activity within a few weeks. India's spine units perform lumbar discectomy with the imaging and neuromonitoring support this precise procedure requires.