Lumbar Microdisectomy

Lumbar Microdiscectomy is a procedure commonly performed by Neurosurgeons and Orthopaedic Surgeons to treat the symptoms associated with pressure upon Spinal nerve in the lower back. It is particularly effective for treating pain in the buttocks or the legs known as Sciatica. When a nerve is particularly compressed, symptoms such as weakness or pins and needles or numbness can be experienced and this is also known as Radiculopathy.

Preoperative assessment includes a full consultation, examination and investigations and an MRI scan is obtained wherever possible. Patients are usually admitted on the day of surgery and are usually well enough to go home the following day. During operation, a small incision is made and a small amount of bone is usually shaved away to access the trapped nerve beneath. The portion of the disc that is prolapsed and is compressing upon the nerve is removed and at the end of the procedure the nerve is inspected and ensured to be completely free.

Pain usually goes away immediately after the surgery but in approximately 15 percent of the cases, it can come back and occasionally revision surgery is requires. Patients are usually up and about within an hour or two of their surgery and well enough to go home by the following day. There are no sutures to remove and patients can shower on the day of their surgery with the dressing of the wound if they so wish. Follow up is arranged in the rooms within a few weeks but I am always available by phone or email, should there be any concerns.