Lumbar microdiscectomy surgery is a minimally invasive spinal procedure used to treat a herniated (slipped) disc in the lower back that’s pressing on a nerve, causing sciatica. During the surgery, a small cut is made in your back to allow a surgeon to remove herniated disc material to ease the nerve pressure that’s causing your sciatica.
If you’ve been advised to undergo lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, it can be helpful to understand what the procedure involves, how it’s performed, and what the recovery process looks like. We’ll also look at what you can expect if you choose to have your lumbar microdiscectomy with Ramsay Health Care.
What is lumbar microdiscectomy?
Lumbar microdiscectomy surgery – also called micro decompression or simply microdiscectomy – is a type of minimally invasive spinal surgery designed to relieve sciatica leg pain caused by a herniated or prolapsed disc.
The discs in your spine are spongy, cushion-like sections that sit between the vertebrae (spinal bones). They absorb shock, allowing your back to bend and twist smoothly.
When a disc becomes herniated, part of its inner material bulges outwards and can press on a nearby nerve root. This often causes sharp, radiating pain down one leg, a symptom known as sciatica.
During lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, a small ‘keyhole’ incision is made in the lower back above the affected disc. The surgeon carefully removes the fragment of disc that’s pressing on the spinal nerve, relieving pressure and easing pain.
What does lumbar microdiscectomy involve?
Lumbar microdiscectomy is usually performed under general anaesthesia, although it can sometimes be done using a regional or local anaesthesia. The procedure typically takes between one and two hours, depending on the complexity of your case.
Once you’re under anaesthetic, your surgeon makes a small incision (cut) around two to four centimetres long in your lower back, directly over the affected disc. A surgical microscope containing a light and a camera is inserted to provide a detailed view of your spine.
Using small surgical instruments, your surgeon gently parts the muscles and may remove a small portion of tissue, ligament, or bone to reach the nerve root. The compressed nerve is carefully moved aside, and the herniated disc material causing pressure is removed.
When the procedure is complete, the muscles and tissues are returned to their normal position, and the incision is closed with stitches and covered with a dressing. You’ll then be taken to a recovery area, where the clinical team will monitor you as you wake up from anaesthesia.
What conditions does lumbar microdiscectomy treat?
Lumbar microdiscectomy surgery is most often performed to treat a herniated disc – also known as a slipped, prolapsed, or bulging disc – that’s pressing on a spinal nerve and causing symptoms such as sciatica.
The discs in your spine are soft, cushion-like pads that sit between the vertebrae. They act as shock absorbers and help with flexibility. Each disc has a tough outer layer of cartilage surrounding a soft, gel-like centre. Over time, wear and tear or injury can weaken the outer layer, allowing the inner material to bulge outward.
If the bulging disc presses on one of the nerve roots in your spine, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the affected nerve pathway. Most often, this leads to sciatica – pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg.
Lumbar microdiscectomy is usually recommended for patients who have chronic sciatica or ongoing nerve pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy, or steroid injections.
Is microdiscectomy better than discectomy?
Both lumbar discectomy and lumbar microdiscectomy are procedures used to relieve sciatica leg pain caused by a herniated disc pressing on a spinal nerve.
The key difference lies in how the surgeon accesses your spine. A traditional discectomy is an open surgery that requires a larger incision in your back and the cutting of muscle tissue to reach the affected disc. In contrast, a lumbar microdiscectomy is performed through a much smaller ‘keyhole’ incision using a surgical microscope, causing less disruption to the surrounding tissues.
Microdiscectomy surgery is now more commonly performed because it offers several advantages over open discectomy, including:
- Being an outpatient procedure, you can usually go home the same day
- Less damage to muscles and soft tissue
- Reduced blood loss during surgery
- Lower risk of infection and other post-operative complications
- Quicker, less painful recovery
In some cases, however, your surgeon may recommend a traditional discectomy if the herniation is large or difficult to access. Your consultant will discuss which approach is most appropriate for your condition.
How to prepare for a lumbar microdiscectomy?
If you’re having lumbar microdiscectomy surgery with Ramsay Health Care, our team will give you full, personalised guidance on how to prepare for your procedure. In general, preparation involves the following steps:
- Avoiding food or drink for a certain amount of time before your surgery.
- Pausing certain medications, such as blood thinners, as directed by our medical team.
- Having a shower or bath and washing with unperfumed soap the evening before or on the morning of your operation.
- Wearing loose, comfortable clothing on the day you come to us.
- Arranging for someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after your operation.
Learn more about what to expect during your stay with Ramsay Health Care.
Lumbar microdiscectomy aftercare
After your lumbar microdiscectomy, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where our medical team will monitor you as you wake up and your anaesthetic wears off.
It’s common to feel some pain or stiffness at first – this is usually well managed with medication. Most microdiscectomy procedures are performed as outpatient surgery, meaning you’ll typically be able to go home the same day. Because the anaesthetic can make you drowsy, you’ll need someone to collect you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
We’ll already have follow-up appointments booked with you so we can monitor your recovery. Our team will also advise you on how to take care of yourself in the first days after the procedure and how to look after your surgical wound.
Lumbar microdiscectomy recovery
Microdiscectomy recovery times vary between patients and depend on your overall health, the extent of your surgery, and how well you follow your rehabilitation plan. Your Ramsay team will support you throughout your recovery and help you return safely to your usual activities.
Typical microdiscectomy recovery timeline:
Week 1
You’ll likely experience the most pain and fatigue in the first few days, but this should be manageable with medication. Short, gentle walks are encouraged to promote healing and prevent stiffness. You’ll usually be off work during this time.
Weeks 2-4
You should notice steady improvements in your back and leg pain. Most people can sit, walk, and sleep more comfortably, and begin light physiotherapy exercises. If your job is sedentary, you may be able to return to work and resume driving.
Weeks 5-8
Your strength and mobility should continue to improve. Your physiotherapist will guide you on gradually increasing your activity levels. Some people with physical jobs may be able to return to work with modified duties.
Weeks 9-12
Pain and sciatica symptoms are usually much reduced. You can typically return to most daily activities and low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, or yoga. Physiotherapy will focus on building back and core strength to support your spine.
Months 3-6
Most patients return to their normal routines and exercise levels. Some mild stiffness or backache can persist, but is usually manageable with regular exercise and good posture. Maintaining a healthy weight and core strength can help prevent future disc problems.
What are the benefits of lumbar microdiscectomy?
If you’re living with sciatica and other treatments haven’t provided relief, lumbar microdiscectomy surgery can help:
- Effectively relieve sciatica symptoms by removing the disc material pressing on your spinal nerve
- Restore mobility and strength, helping you move more freely and comfortably
- Improve your quality of life, allowing you to return to normal daily activities and routines.
Because it’s a minimally invasive procedure, lumbar microdiscectomy offers several advantages over traditional open lumbar discectomy, including:
- A high success rate in relieving leg and back pain
- Faster recovery times and a quicker return to work and activity
- Lower risk of infection and post-surgical complications
- Same-day discharge, as most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis
These benefits make lumbar microdiscectomy one of the most effective and widely recommended treatments for persistent sciatica caused by a herniated disc.
Potential risks and complications of lumbar microdiscectomy
Lumbar microdiscectomy is a safe and commonly performed procedure with a low risk of post-surgery complications. However, as with any surgery, some risks are possible.
Potential risks and complications of lumbar microdiscectomy include:
- Minor blood loss during surgery
- Scarring around the surgical site
- Infection at the wound site or deeper tissues
- Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- Incomplete removal of disc material during the operation
- Recurrence of sciatica or herniation in the same or another disc
- Rare nerve or spinal cord injury
Most people recover without experiencing any complications, and your Ramsay consultant will take every precaution to minimise your individual risk. Before your operation, your surgeon will discuss all potential risks with you and answer any questions you may have.
Lumbar microdiscectomy cost
At Ramsay Health Care, we offer a range of flexible payment options for your lumbar microdiscectomy surgery.
If you’d like to pay for your treatment yourself, our all-inclusive Total Care package offers a single, pre-agreed price that covers every stage of your care, with no hidden costs. You’ll have direct access to expert consultants and all the treatment you need from start to finish.
You can also spread the cost of your lumbar microdiscectomy with our convenient finance options.
Alternatively, your surgery may be covered by your private medical insurance. We recommend checking directly with your provider and obtaining written confirmation of your cover before beginning treatment with us.
Alternatives to microdiscectomy
Many patients find that their leg pain and other sciatica symptoms improve without needing lumbar microdiscectomy surgery. Before recommending an operation, your Ramsay consultant will usually suggest trying non-surgical treatments first, such as:
- Pain relief medication
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Steroid injections in the spine
- Physiotherapy and targeted exercises
If these conservative treatments aren’t effective and you’re living with persistent pain that’s affecting your quality of life, then your surgeon may discuss lumbar microdiscectomy as a suitable next step to achieve long-term relief.
Lumbar microdiscectomy at Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay Health Care, we offer fast access to lumbar microdiscectomy surgery performed by experienced spinal surgeons in our modern, well-equipped hospitals across the UK.
You’ll receive individualised, patient-focused care, with appointments scheduled at times that suit you and a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our skilled physiotherapists will support your recovery with a structured rehabilitation programme designed to help you return to normal activity as quickly and safely as possible.
Contact us today to speak to one of our friendly advisors, learn more about lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, and book your initial consultation at a convenient location near you.
Lumbar microdiscectomy FAQs
