Lumbar Discectomy

Lumbar Discectomy at Yorkshire Clinic

What is lumbar discectomy?

Your spinal discs are cushion-like shock absorbers for your spine. When a disc slips, herniates, or bulges out of position, it can push on your spinal nerves and this nerve compression causes lower back and leg (sciatic) pain, pins and needles and, numbness in your leg. A slipped disc is the most common cause of lower (lumbar) back pain.

Lumbar discectomy is a type of spinal decompression surgery used to relieve the pressure that a herniated or slipped disc causes as it presses on the nerves in your spinal column. 

A discectomy can be performed by traditional open surgery or using minimally invasive techniques, known as microdiscectomy.

What is a microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy, also known as a minimally invasive discectomy, is a discectomy carried out through a smaller incision. It is one of the most common minimally invasive spinal procedures.

During microdiscectomy, a special microscope and tiny surgical instruments are inserted into your lower spinal column through a small incision and the herniated section of your prolapsed disc is removed so that it no longer puts pressure on your nerve. 

The advantages of microdiscectomy over open discectomy are: that it can be performed in an outpatient setting and you can go home the same day, smaller incisions are made, less blood loss, lower risk of infection, a faster recovery and, reduced postoperative pain and medication use.

What conditions is a lumbar discectomy used to treat?

• Lumbar slipped disc and sciatica – when your disc becomes worn or injured its soft centre can push out of its normal space. This is known as a slipped or herniated disc and it can press on nearby nerves in your spine causing lower back pain and pain in your legs, known as sciatica.

• Degenerative disc disease – as your disc naturally wears, it dries out and shrinks and, loses its cushioning ability, whilst bone spurs form and your facet joints inflame. This can lead to spinal stenosis or disc herniation.

What does lumbar discectomy surgery involve?

Lumbar discectomy surgery is a procedure to remove part of the disc that is pressing on a nerve. It's carried out under general anaesthetic.

In open discectomy your surgeon will make an incision over the affected area of your spine down to the bony arch of your vertebra, called the lamina. They will gently move tissue and the nerve to access your slipped disc and remove the disc part that is pressing on your nerve. They will then close the incision.

Sometimes, depending on your diagnosis, lumbar discectomy is combined with other spinal decompression surgery techniques such as laminectomy and spinal fusion, to allow the best method of creating space for your nerves so that they are not compressed.

Complications following lumbar discectomy surgery

As with any surgery complications may occur including: pain, bleeding, incision site infection, scarring and, blood clots.

Lumbar discectomy is commonly performed and is generally a safe procedure. 

Possible complications specific to lumbar discectomy surgery may include:

• nerve injury and paralysis
• loss of bladder or bowel control
• continued pain or numbness down your leg
• infection of the intervertebral disc.

Cost of lumbar discectomy surgery

If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.

A lumbar discectomy surgery may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.

Recovering from lumbar discectomy surgery

If you have had microdiscectomy you may go home the same day. For open discectomy patients you might have an overnight stay in hospital.

Lumbar discectomy recovery varies from one to four weeks depending on the exact condition being treated, they type of surgery performed and, your general health. You should follow your surgeon’s advices regarding your individual recovery plan.

Lumbar Discectomy at Ramsay

Lumbar discectomy treatment is the removal of the herniated or bulging part of an intervertebral disc in your lower back. It is performed to relieve the pressure the bulging disc is exerting on nearby spinal nerves.

Nowadays, lumbar discectomy is often performed using minimally invasive surgery called microdiscectomy.

Here at Ramsay, our hospitals and their qualified and expert spinal surgeons regularly perform lumbar discectomy as a stand-alone procedure or part of a combination of lumbar spine decompression procedures. 

We perform microdiscectomy whenever clinically appropriate to allow patients to recover from their lower back pain as quickly as possible. We also have qualified physiotherapists and a fully equipped modern imaging service at most of our hospitals.

Yorkshire Clinic Specialists

You're in control

Flexible payment options

to suit you

payment-plan-icon

0% Payment Plans

Spread the cost of your treatment with fixed, monthly payments over a time period to suit you.

Find out more
self-funding-icon

Self-funding Patients

We offer an alternative range of ways to pay, so you can choose which one best suits you and your finances.

Find out more
medical-insurance

Private Medical Insurance

Use your private medical insurance to fund your treatment through our simple referral process.

Find out more

Related Treatments

Back Pain Treatments

Back pain treatments are effective in offering targeted relief and recovery from back and spinal pain. From facet joint injections, epidurogram and nerve root blocks, explore options for lasting comfort.

Find out more

Back Pain and Spinal Surgery

Back pain is discomfort in the spine, often due to strain, injury or lifestyle. The pain can be associated with stiffness, muscle spasms and reduced motion. Explore causes, treatments, and preventative measures for a healthier back.

Find out more

Spinal Surgery

Spinal surgery is back surgery to relieve back pain.

Find out more

Latest from Yorkshire Clinic

The Yorkshire Clinic Orthopaedic Surgeon Leads in Robotic-Assisted Hip and Knee Replacements​

The Yorkshire Clinic Orthopaedic Surgeon Leads in Robotic-Assisted Hip and Knee Replacements​

Mr James Hahnel, based at The Yorkshire Clinic, Bingley, is at the forefront of robotic-assisted joint replacements. Discover how his precision-led approach is transforming recovery outcomes for patients across Yorkshire.

Find out more
Six Months of Aquablation Therapy at The Yorkshire Clinic

Six Months of Aquablation Therapy at The Yorkshire Clinic

The Yorkshire Clinic has been offering Aquablation Therapy, the minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate, for six months and we catch up with one of our Consultant Urologists, Mr Stewart, to get some questions answered. 

Find out more
Breast Surgery Patient Review

Breast Surgery Patient Review

Hear directly from a patient, after a cancerous tumour was found in a scan and biopsy, they had treatment at The Yorkshire Clinic and were soon back to doing what they love - painting and decorating!

Find out more
View More
Paying for yourself?

Get in touch

Need some advice on a treatment price or booking an initial appointment?

We're here to help.

BOOK ONLINE

Or send us a message...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Important Information

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material, contained on this website is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

No warranty or guarantee is made that the information contained on this website is complete or accurate in every respect. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results will vary and may not be representative of the experience of others. Prior patient results are only provided as examples of what may be achievable. Individual results will vary and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo use or any statement on this website.

Ramsay is a trusted provider of plastic or reconstructive surgery treatments as a part of our wrap-around holistic patient care. Our personal, friendly and professional team are here to support you throughout to ensure the best possible care. All procedures we perform are clinically justified, and we do not offer treatments that are purely aesthetic / to change your appearance.

Ramsay Health Care UK is not currently recruiting for any roles based outside of England. If you are interested in applying for a role with Ramsay Health Care UK, please note that all available positions are advertised exclusively on our official website: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers. Be cautious of individuals or organisations that approach you directly for remotely-based roles. Always verify the authenticity of the job offer and be careful with whom you share your personal information. For more information and advice on employment fraud, please visit: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers/recruitment-fraud