Microdiscectomy

During a microdiscectomy, some disk is removed. In most cases, bone must first be removed to expose the damaged disk. The part of the disk outer wall and soft center that presses on the nerve can then be removed. There are usually enough disks remaining to cushion the vertebrae.

Before your surgery

You will most likely arrive at the hospital on the morning of the surgery. Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions on how to get ready for surgery:

• Follow any directions you are given for not eating or drinking before surgery.
• If you take a daily medicine, ask if you should still take it the morning of surgery. If you take any blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin), or Plavix (clopidogrel), make sure you discuss them with your doctor at least a week in advance.  
• At the hospital, your temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure will be checked.
• An IV (intravenous) line will be started to give you fluids and medicines needed during surgery.

During your surgery

• Once in the operating room, you will be given anesthesia.
• After you are asleep, an incision is made near the center of your low back. Your incision may be 2 to 6 inches long, depending on how many vertebrae are involved.
• In most cases, bone is removed from the vertebrae above and below the pinched nerve to expose the damaged disk. Removing bone may also take pressure off the pinched nerve.
• During microdiscectomy, part of the disk outer wall and soft center that is pressing on the nerve is removed.
• Once the nerve is free of pressure, the incision is closed with stitches or surgical staples.

After your surgery

• After surgery you may go to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) or you may go directly to your room. 
• You may be discharged that same day or you may need to stay overnight.
• The nurses will give you medicines to ease your pain.
• You may have a small tube (catheter) in your bladder.
• Health care providers will help you get up and moving soon after your surgery. You will also be shown how to clear your lungs.