Microscopic Discectomy in Indore

What is microscopic discectomy?

The spine is made of bones (vertebrae) with soft cushions between them called discs. When the soft inner part of a disc pushes out, it can press on a nearby nerve. This is called a slipped disc or herniated disc, and it can cause back pain and pain down the leg (sciatica).

In a microscopic discectomy, the surgeon makes a small cut in the back, usually a few centimetres long. An operating microscope gives a bright, magnified view, so the nerve can be seen clearly and protected. Only the bulging piece of disc is removed. The rest of the disc is left in place.

This is a well-established operation for slipped discs in the lower back. It does not involve putting screws or rods in the spine. Most slipped discs improve without surgery, so this operation is one option among several.

Who may need it

People with a slipped disc in the lower back whose leg pain continues after several weeks of medicines, rest and physiotherapy.

People whose pain is so severe that they cannot walk, work or sleep, even with treatment.

People with weakness in the leg or foot, such as foot drop (difficulty lifting the front of the foot), that is getting worse.

People with sudden loss of bladder or bowel control or numbness around the private parts. This is called cauda equina syndrome and needs emergency surgery.

People whose MRI clearly shows a disc pressing on the nerve that matches their symptoms.

Surgery is one option, not the only one. It is decided after an examination and a careful look at your scans, and non-surgical treatment is discussed first where it is suitable.

How it is done

1
You are given general anaesthesia, so you are fully asleep and feel no pain.
2
You lie on your stomach on a padded frame. The surgeon uses an X-ray to mark the correct level of the spine.
3
A small cut is made in the middle of the lower back, and the back muscles are gently moved aside.
4
A small window of bone and ligament is removed to reach the nerve. The operating microscope is used from this point.
5
The nerve is gently moved aside and protected, and the bulging piece of disc is removed.
6
The surgeon checks that the nerve is free, and the cut is closed with stitches.

Possible risks

Every operation carries some risk. Your surgeon will explain which of these apply to you.

Infection of the wound or, rarely, of the disc space.

Bleeding during or after surgery.

Injury to the nerve, which can cause numbness, weakness or pain in the leg. This is usually temporary but can sometimes last.

A tear in the covering of the nerves (dural tear), which can cause a CSF leak (leak of the fluid around the brain and spine), headache and a longer stay. It is usually repaired during the same operation.

The disc can slip again at the same level (recurrence), and a further operation may be needed.

Some back pain may continue even when leg pain improves, because back pain often has more than one cause.

Risks of anaesthesia and of lying in bed, such as chest infection or blood clots in the legs.

Preparing for surgery

Bring your MRI films, CDs and reports, and all previous prescriptions, to the consultation.

You will usually need blood tests, an ECG (heart tracing) and a check-up with the anaesthetist.

Tell the doctor about all your medicines. If you take blood thinners, stop them only when and as your doctor advises.

Follow the fasting instructions given by the hospital. Usually you should not eat or drink from the night before surgery.

If you smoke, try to stop before surgery. Smoking slows healing.

If you live outside Indore, for example in Ujjain, Dewas, Dhar, Ratlam or Khargone, arrange for a family member to stay with you for a few days and for comfortable transport home.

Recovery

Most patients start walking on the same day or the next day. The usual hospital stay is about 1 to 3 days. Leg pain often improves quickly. Numbness and tingling can take longer to settle, sometimes a few months.

Walk a little more each day. For the first few weeks, avoid lifting heavy things, long car or bus trips without breaks, and sudden bending or twisting. Many people with desk jobs go back to work in about 2 to 4 weeks. Heavy manual work usually needs a longer break.

Your surgeon will see you to check the wound and remove stitches if needed. Physiotherapy exercises, a healthy weight and safe lifting habits help protect your back over the long term.

Questions patients ask

Is microscopic discectomy a big operation?

It is a common and well-established spine operation done through a small cut. It does not involve screws or rods. Most patients walk soon after surgery and go home within a few days.

How is it different from endoscopic spine surgery?

Both remove the bulging part of the disc. Microscopic discectomy uses a microscope and a slightly larger cut, while endoscopic surgery uses a thin camera through a smaller cut. The choice depends on the type and position of the disc, your scans and your surgeon's advice.

Can I avoid surgery for my slip disc?

Often, yes. Many slipped discs improve with rest, medicines, physiotherapy and time. Some patients are also offered an injection near the nerve. Surgery is usually advised when pain does not settle, when there is increasing weakness, or when bladder or bowel control is affected.

Will I be paralysed after spine surgery?

This is a common fear. In the lower back, the nerves are below the end of the spinal cord, and serious nerve injury from this operation is uncommon. Like any surgery it has risks, which your surgeon will explain to you before you decide.

When can I go back to work?

Many people with office or desk work return in about 2 to 4 weeks. People whose work involves lifting or heavy labour usually need longer. Your surgeon will guide you based on your recovery.

Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Read moreSource: Content on this website was prepared with the help of AI tools (AI-assisted) and is medically reviewed by Dr. Kshitiz Nigam, MBBS, MS, MCh (Neurosurgery), Reg. No. MP-33282.