Microdiscectomy surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon.
You have two sciatic nerves, one on each side of the body.
Sciatica takes place if the nerve becomes pinched or irritated.
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One of the most common causes of nerve pinching in your lower back is from a herniated lumbar disc.
Your spinal column is comprised of several bones stacked upon one another.
Between each bone is a spinal disc.
Sometimes the jelly inside the disc becomes displaced due to injury or repetitive stress to the disc.
When this happens, the jelly may exit the disc and press against a spinal nerve.
Keep in mind that many cases of sciatica due to a herniated disc do not require surgery.
Microdiscectomy surgery is reserved for severe cases where nerve compression is causing significant pain or neurological compromise and weakness.
If your surgeon recommends surgery for your herniated disc, microdiscectomy is one option.
Other options may include a lumbar laminectomy, open discectomy, orlumbar fusionsurgery.
You should discuss all your options with your surgeon before deciding if microdiscectomy is right for you.
That way you could make an informed decision about the procedure and if it is right for you.
Before the Microdiscectomy
Many people with sciatica from a herniated disc do not require surgery.
Prior to microdiscetomy, you should attempt conservative treatment for your sciatica.
Your surgeon and their staff will give you information about prepping for surgery.
You will likely be told to avoid eating or drinking anything the evening prior to surgery.
This limits the risk of infection during surgery.
You will arrive at the hospital, and your vital signs will be measured.
An intravenous line will be started, and you will be brought to the operating room.
The surgeon, nurses, and anesthesiologist will be there.
Your anesthesiologist will use medication to sedate you, and the surgery can then begin.
Your vital signs will be monitored during the procedure.
Then surgical tools will be used to locate and protect your spinal nerves.
This will relieve pressure off your lumbar nerve.
Some patients stay in the hospital overnight.
Upon returning home, you’re free to expect to rest for a few days.
During the immediate post-operative period, you should avoid bending or sitting slouched.
These activities may pull on your incision, and they may cause re-herniation of the disc.
Sit in supportive chairs, and avoid too much bending.
Some patients benefit from physical therapy to increase their activity level after microdiscectomy.
Your physical therapist may also help you attain andmaintain proper postureto possible avoid re-herniation of your lumbar disc.
Some patients may take a bit longer; be sure to talk to your surgeon about what to expect.
It is one surgical option to help relieve pain from sciatica.
Anichini G, Landi A, Caporlingua F, et al.Lumbar endoscopic microdiscectomy: Where are we now?
An updated literature review focused on clinical outcome, complications, and rate of recurrence.Biomed Res Int.
2019;44(22):1599-1605. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000003129
