A microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure designed to take the pressure off the nerve root and to provide the nerve with a better healing environment. Usually, only the small portion of the disc that is pushing against the nerve root needs to be removed, and the majority of the intervertebral disc remains intact.
Using microsurgical techniques and a small incision, a microdiscectomy can usually be done on an outpatient basis and most patients can return to most normal activities in one to three weeks.
The success rate of this surgery should be about 95%.
Click here to watch: Lumbar Microdiscectomy Video
Discussion of potential risks associated with lumbar discectomy: As with any form of spine surgery, there are potential risks and complications associated with a lumbar discectomy procedure. Complications are quite rare in this procedure, the potential risks of the procedure may include, but are not limited to, the following: Incidental durotomy (cerebral spinal fluid leak). This may occur in approximately 1-2% of the surgeries, however it generally does not change the results of the surgery unless continued leakage of fluid occurs, but this is rare; Nerve root damage (1/1000); Bowel/bladder incontinence (extremely rare); Wound or disc space infection (<1%)
Recurrent Disc Herniation
Unfortunately, approximately 2-13% of patients will experience another disc herniation at the same location. This recurrence is most likely to happen early in the postoperative period (within the first three months), although it can happen years later. Usually a recurrence can be handled with another microdiscectomy.
If it recurs multiple times, a lumbar fusion surgery to stop the motion at the disc level and remove all of the disc material may be considered.