Intervertebral Discectomy

(Microdiscectomy; Microcompression Spine Surgery)

How to Say It: Inter-VERT-e-bral disc-ECT-omy

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
En Español (Spanish Version)
Definition
Reasons for Procedure
Possible Complications
What to Expect
Call Your Doctor

Definition

An intervertebral discectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the damaged discs between each vertebra in the spinal column. It is most often done on discs in the lower (lumbar) part of the spine. It may also be done on cervical discs in the neck.

Reasons for Procedure

Discs normally serve as cushions between the bones. They can become damaged or dry with age. Injury can also cause a disc to bulge (herniate). These changes can create pressure on nerves leaving the spine. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. This surgery is done when other methods to ease symptoms have not helped.

Laparoscopic discectomy
laparoscopic discectomy small

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Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Nerve damage
  • Problems with bladder and bowel control
  • Leakage of spinal fluid
  • Herniated disc (may happen within the first three months after surgery)

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity
  • Prior spine surgeries

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Arranging a ride to and from surgery
  • Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as images to look at the discs and structures in the area

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be given. You will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

There are two methods to do this surgery:

  • Open—A large incision is made
  • Microdiscectomy—Small incisions are made and small tools are inserted through them

There are four types of discectomy:

Anterior Cervical

An incision will be made in the skin on the left or right side of the neck. The doctor will go through a muscle to reach the spine. X-rays will be used to locate and remove damaged disc material. Part of the bone may be removed to give the nerve more space. A bone graft may be placed to fuse the vertebrae. The incision will be closed. A bandage will be placed over the area.

Posterior Cervical

An incision will be made in the skin at the back of the neck. The muscles will be moved aside. A small piece of bone will be removed to get to the disc space (laminectomy). The nerve will be moved aside and the damaged disc material will be removed. The incision will be closed. A bandage will be placed over the area.

Lumbar

An incision will be made in the lower back. The muscles will be moved aside. A small part of the bone may need to be removed to gain access to the nerve and disc. Damaged disc material will be removed. The incision will be closed. A bandage will be placed over the area.

Discectomy
Sagittal Discectomy

The disc is removed from between the vertebrae.

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How Long Will It Take?

It depends on the type of surgery that was done.

Will It Hurt?

Pain and swelling are common in the first few weeks. Medicine and home care can help.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 1 to 2 days. If you have problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

The staff will give you pain medicine after surgery.

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:

  • Washing their hands
  • Wearing gloves or masks
  • Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:

  • Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
  • Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
  • Not letting others touch your incisions

At Home

It will take a few weeks for the incision and muscles to fully heal. Relief from nerve pain may be felt right away or it may take up to 8 weeks. Physical activity will be limited during recovery. You will need to ask for help with daily activities and delay return to work.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or blood in the urine
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

North American Spine Society
http://www.spine.org

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.orthoinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org

REFERENCES:

Lumbar disk herniation. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/lumbar-disk-herniation. Accessed July 30, 2021.

Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy. Johns Hopskins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/minimally-invasive-lumbar-discectomy. Accessed July 30, 2021.

Spine surgery: minimally invasive lumbar discectomy/percutaneous disc removal. Hospital for Special Surgery website. Available at: https://www.hss.edu/conditions_spine-surgery-minimally-invasive-lumbar-discectomy.asp. Accessed July 30, 2021.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM  Last Updated: 7/30/2021