Microdiscectomy

[DEFINITION]

• An open operation using an incision which is one to two inches long (or longer) with external visualization of the surgical field with an operating microscope.
• Microdiscectomy does frequently correct pathology. However, there is substantial access trauma which occurs with the opening and removal of normal tissue (bone, ligament, etc.) in order to get to the spot to be treated. Considerable scarring is produced in every case. The overall complication rate is reported as 11%. (see slide show) When post-surgical scarring distorts and constricts nerve roots, this then usually becomes a non-correctable, lifetime problem.