Microdiscectomy

Austin Fares, MD

Content Contributor

Evolution of Microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy, also sometimes called microdecompression or microdiskectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed on patients with a herniated lumbar disc. It is one of the most common spine surgeries with roughly 300,000 cases performed a year in the US. There are a number of different techniques to perform the surgery to include a small open incision, dilating tubes, and endoscopic with a small video camera. During this surgery, a surgeon will remove portions of the herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve column.

Most microdiscectomies take about an hour to complete. While it may take weeks or months for the nerve root to fully heal and any numbness or weakness to get better, patients normally feel relief from the leg pain almost immediately after a microdiscectomy. The success rate for microdiscectomy spine surgery is generally high, with one extensive medical study showing good or excellent results in 84% of people who had the procedure.

Technology Spotlight

HydroCision SpineJet HydroDiscectomy System

The SpineJet HydroDiscectomy System enables a minimally invasive approach to predictably and safely perform disc decompression procedures. This device is specifically designed to deliver a nonthermal stream of saline at controlled velocities to remove disc nucleus while sparing outer annulus and vertebral endplates. It has the advantage of preventing cutting of annular fibers which can reduce the rate of re-herniations. In addition, this device simultaneously cuts and aspirates, resulting in shorter procedure times and the nonthermal fluidjet technology eliminates the risk of thermal tissue damage.