Lumbar Microdiscectomy

About Lumbar Microdiscectomy

Lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive version of standard lumbar discectomy, performed to remove herniated disc material compressing a spinal nerve root in the lower back, using a small incision and an operating microscope or magnifying loupes to give the surgeon a clear, magnified view of the surgical field through a much smaller opening than traditional open surgery requires. Working through this limited access point, the surgeon gently retracts the muscles and nerve tissue to expose the herniated fragment and removes it, relieving pressure on the nerve while minimizing disruption to the surrounding muscle, ligament, and bone. Because the approach is less disruptive to the surrounding tissue, patients generally experience less postoperative pain, reduced blood loss, and a shorter hospital stay compared with open discectomy, often going home within a day or two. It is typically recommended for patients with a clearly identified disc herniation on MRI whose leg pain, numbness, or weakness has not improved with a reasonable course of conservative treatment. Physical therapy following surgery supports a return to normal activity over the following weeks. India's spine centres commonly offer microdiscectomy as a standard minimally invasive option for appropriately selected disc herniation cases.