Lumbar Microdiscectomy: Herniated Disc Surgery, Technique, and Recovery

Spine surgeons have many different techniques they can choose from when approaching operations for herniated discs in the lumbar (lower) spine. Microdiscectomy encompasses a variety of techniques that use high powered cameras, including microscopes and endoscopes, to reduce the size of incisions needed to operate. This article is designed to provide information for those considering microdiscectomy and discusses techniques used and expectations for recovery. Each patient and their illness is unique, and you should discuss your specific needs with a licensed healthcare professional.

Microdiscectomy refers to a variety of techniques that use cameras to reduce the need for the larger incisions involved in traditional, open spine surgery. Through the use of high-powered cameras, surgeons are able to approach the surgical site through the muscle, allowing for smaller incisions and shorter recovery times compared to traditional methods (1). Some of the approaches included under the umbrella of microdiscectomy include (2):

Tubular microdiscectomy involves similar techniques for enhancing surgeon vision through small incisions used in open microdiscectomy. The main difference between tubular and open methods is that tubular methods use an inflatable tubular retractor to help separate tissue layers, allowing surgeons to simultaneously use both hands to operate on the spine.

Shorter recovery times, further boosted by lower complication rates, are often the primary driver for surgeons and patients to elect microdiscectomy over traditional methods. Most people undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy are discharged from the hospital the same day as their surgery (1). On average, patients are able to return to work eleven days after microdiscectomy procedures. In one case series with no activity restrictions post-operatively, one third of patients returned to work within one week and 97% returned to work within eight weeks (3).