Medical Health Encyclopedia

Microdiskectomy

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I K L M O P R S T U V

Herniated nucleus pulposis Skeletal spine Spine supporting structures Cauda equina Spinal stenosis

Overview Recovery Risks

Microdiskectomy

Alternative Names:

Spinal Microdiskectomy; Microdecompression

Definition:

Spinal microdiskectomy is the minimally invasive surgical removal of disk fragments from a herniated disk, usually in the lower back (lumbar area). Unlike lumbar spine surgery that requires an incision 2 to 5 inches long, microdiskectomy is performed through a very small incision (about 1 to 1 ˝ inches).

Text Continues Below

---

Description:

Microdiskectomy is conducted in a hospital or outpatient surgical center while the patient is under local anesthesia (awake but pain-free). A special high-powered microscope magnifies the affected disk(s) and nerves, and guides the doctor during surgery.

A tiny incision is made on the patient’s back, and the surgeon moves the back muscles away from the spine. After identifying and moving the nerve root, the surgeon removes the injured disk tissue and fragments.  The back muscles are then moved back into their normal position, and the wound is closed with stitches or staples.

Indications:

It’s important to note that patients with low back pain are usually treated conservatively before surgery is considered. Bedrest, traction, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and exercise are often prescribed.

Spinal microdiskectomy is done to relieve nerve pain and pressure. It may be performed in patients with the following conditions:

• Herniated lumbar disk
• Leg pain or weakness (sciatica ) caused by a herniated disk
• Cauda equina syndrome

References:

Beers, MH. eds. Low Back Pain. In: Merck Manual of Medical Information, 3rd Home ed. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster; 2003: 515-521.

Koebbe, Christopher J., M.D., et al. “Lumbar Microdiscectomy: A Historical Perspective and Current Technical Considerations.” Neurosurg Focus 13 (2): Article 3, 2002.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.