Lumbar discectomy

Lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove part of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve. It is one of the most effective treatments for relieving leg pain (sciatica) caused by nerve compression.

Quick Facts:

  • Treats leg pain caused by disc herniation
  • Often provides rapid relief of sciatica
  • Typically minimally invasive
  • Focused on relieving nerve compression

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👉 Discectomy Surgical Information Packet

WHAT IS A LUMBAR DISCECTOMY?

A lumbar discectomy involves removing the portion of a disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve.

During the procedure:

  • A small incision is made in the lower back
  • The affected nerve is identified
  • The herniated portion of the disc is removed

👉 The goal is to relieve pressure on the nerve and allow it to recover

WHAT CONDITIONS DOES IT TREAT?

Lumbar discectomy is most commonly used for:

  • Lumbar disc herniation
  • Sciatica (leg pain from nerve compression)
  • Nerve root compression

👉 It is most effective when symptoms clearly match imaging findings

SYMPTOMS THAT MAY REQUIRE SURGERY

Common Symptoms

  • Leg pain (often worse than back pain)
  • Pain radiating down the leg
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness

Typical Pattern

  • Pain follows a specific nerve distribution
  • Symptoms may worsen with sitting, bending, or lifting

🚨 When Surgery May Be More Urgent

  • Progressive weakness
  • Severe or worsening neurologic symptoms
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control (rare but urgent)

👉 These may indicate significant nerve compression

WHEN IS SURGERY CONSIDERED?

Surgery may be recommended when:

  • Symptoms persist despite conservative treatment
  • Pain significantly limits daily function
  • There is progressive weakness
  • Imaging confirms nerve compression

👉 Many patients improve without surgery, but discectomy provides reliable relief when symptoms persist

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

Step-by-Step Overview

  1. Anesthesia
    • Performed under general anesthesia
  2. Small Incision
    • A small incision is made in the lower back
  3. Access to the Nerve
    • Muscles are gently moved aside
    • A small portion of bone may be removed if needed
  4. Disc Removal
    • The herniated disc fragment is removed
    • The nerve is decompressed

👉 The procedure is targeted and designed to preserve as much normal anatomy as possible

OUR APPROACH

We focus on precise, minimally invasive discectomy when appropriate.

  • Surgery is recommended only when symptoms clearly match imaging
  • We aim to remove only the portion of the disc causing compression
  • The goal is rapid symptom relief with minimal disruption
  • We emphasize preserving normal structures whenever possible

👉 Lumbar discectomy is a highly effective procedure when used appropriately

WHAT TO EXPECT

Before Surgery

  • MRI to confirm disc herniation
  • Evaluation of symptoms and neurologic findings
  • Discussion of treatment options

Day of Surgery

  • Typically outpatient or short stay
  • Performed under general anesthesia

After Surgery

  • Many patients notice rapid improvement in leg pain
  • Some soreness in the back is expected
  • Gradual return to activity over several weeks

OUTCOMES & RISKS

Outcomes

  • High success rates for relieving leg pain
  • Improvement in strength and sensation
  • Faster recovery compared to more extensive procedures

Risks

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Nerve injury (rare)
  • Recurrence of disc herniation
  • Persistent symptoms in some cases

👉 Outcomes are best when patient selection is appropriate

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will this fix my back pain?

This procedure is most effective for leg pain (sciatica), not isolated back pain.

How quickly will I feel better?

Many patients experience rapid relief of leg pain.

Can the disc herniate again?

Recurrence is possible but not common.

Is this a major surgery?

It is typically a minimally invasive procedure.

FOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS

  • Refer patients with:
    • Persistent radiculopathy
    • Imaging-confirmed disc herniation
    • Failure of conservative treatment
    • Progressive neurologic deficit
  • Imaging:
    • MRI lumbar spine
  • Urgent referral for:
    • Progressive weakness
    • Cauda equina symptoms

RELATED CONDITIONS / PROCEDURES

NEXT STEPS…

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