Microdiscectomy

1. What is Microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy is a specialised spinal procedure commonly performed for a herniated or slipped lumbar disc that compresses a spinal nerve.

Using magnification and specialised surgical instruments, the surgeon removes the portion of the damaged disc causing nerve compression while preserving as much of the surrounding spinal structures as possible.

2. When is Microdiscectomy Recommended?

Microdiscectomy may be recommended when a herniated disc causes:

• Persistent severe leg pain (sciatica)
• Numbness or tingling in the leg
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty walking or performing daily activities
• Symptoms that do not improve adequately with appropriate non-surgical treatment
• Progressive neurological weakness

Urgent surgery may be considered in selected cases involving severe neurological symptoms.

3. What Symptoms Can a Herniated Disc Cause?

Common symptoms include:

• Lower-back pain
• Pain radiating into the buttock and leg
• Sciatica
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced reflexes
• Difficulty standing or walking

New loss of bladder or bowel control or numbness around the groin requires urgent medical assessment.

4. How is the Condition Evaluated?

Assessment commonly includes:

Spine specialist consultation → Neurological examination → MRI of the lumbar spine → Review of symptoms and previous treatment → Surgical suitability assessment → Treatment planning

MRI helps identify the affected disc and the compressed nerve.

5. What Does the Procedure Involve?

The general surgical process includes:

Preoperative assessment → General anaesthesia → Small incision → Microscope or magnification-assisted exposure → Removal of the herniated disc fragment → Nerve-root decompression → Wound closure → Postoperative monitoring → Early mobilisation

The exact technique may vary depending on the location and nature of the disc herniation.

6. How Long Does Surgery and Recovery Take?

Microdiscectomy commonly takes approximately 1–2 hours.

Typical recovery may include:

• Hospital stay: often 1–3 days
• Walking: usually encouraged soon after surgery when medically appropriate
• Initial recovery: approximately 2–6 weeks
• Return to normal activities: depends on the type of work and individual recovery

Recovery timelines vary between patients.

7. What Are the Expected Benefits and Outcomes?

Successful microdiscectomy may help:

• Relieve leg pain caused by nerve compression
• Reduce sciatica
• Improve mobility
• Improve nerve-related symptoms
• Improve daily function

Relief of leg pain may occur relatively quickly in many patients, while numbness or weakness may take longer to improve depending on the duration and severity of nerve compression.

8. What Are the Risks or Considerations?

Potential risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Nerve injury
• Dural tear or cerebrospinal-fluid leak
• Persistent numbness or weakness
• Recurrent disc herniation
• Continued back or leg pain
• Blood clots
• Need for additional surgery

Individual risks depend on the patient's spinal condition and overall health.

9. Why Consider Microdiscectomy in India?

India has specialised spine centres offering:

• Advanced MRI diagnostics
• Experienced spine surgeons and neurosurgeons
• Microsurgical and minimally invasive spine techniques
• Modern operating facilities
• Comprehensive postoperative care
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation support

10. How Can Medavelle Help and What Should the Patient Do Next?

Medavelle can assist with:

Medical-record review → Spine specialist coordination → Hospital selection → Treatment planning → Cost estimation → International patient arrangements.

Next step: Share lumbar MRI & neurological reports → Spine specialist evaluation → Confirmation of nerve compression → Surgical planning → Microdiscectomy → Recovery and rehabilitation → Follow-up.