Lumbar Discectomy

 A lumbar microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a small portion of a herniated or damaged disc in the lower back. The procedure is done through a small incision, and the goal is to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves and reduce pain and other symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs. This surgery is typically recommended for patients with persistent or severe sciatica (pain that radiates down the back of the leg) or other nerve-related symptoms that have not responded to non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy or medication. .

During a lumbar microdiscectomy, the patient is usually under general anesthesia, which means they are asleep and don't feel anything during the procedure. The surgeon makes a small incision in the lower back, a very small portion of the overlying bone or lamina is removed and then uses a special tool to remove a small portion of the damaged disc that is compressing the spinal nerves. This procedure typically takes less than an hour. 

After the surgery, patients can usually go home the same day or the following day. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery, but most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few weeks. Physical therapy may be recommended to help strengthen the back and reduce the risk of future disc problems. In most cases, a lumbar microdiscectomy is a safe and effective treatment option for relieving lower back pain and related symptoms caused by a herniated or damaged disc.