Microdiscectomy (Herniated Disc Surgery)

A microdiscectomy (sometimes spelled microdiskectomy) is a minimally invasive spine surgery. It is sometimes called herniated disc surgery. Surgeons use it to fix herniated or ruptured discs.

Fixing the disks can alleviate pain from compressed (pinched) nerves in your spinal column. During the procedure, your surgeon removes all or parts of the damaged disc. Removing the disc relieves pressure on your spinal nerves, relieving symptoms and restoring quality of life.

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What Is Microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy surgery is also known as herniated disc surgery. It is a minimally invasive spine surgery that treats compressed (pinched) nerves in the spinal column. Compressed nerves are often caused by herniated or ruptured discs. The microdisectomy surgery removes all or part of the damaged disc.

The discs provide a cushion between the vertebrae (bones in your spine). When a disc becomes damaged, it can bulge, tear, or leak. This damage can squeeze your spinal nerves, leading to pain and other symptoms.

A microdiscectomy is a safe, less-invasive alternative to traditional procedures. It may promote a faster recovery with less discomfort. Your surgeon will use small surgical instruments and a microscope during the procedure. They carefully remove all or part of your damaged disc through a one-inch incision in your back.

Is microdiscectomy a major surgery?

A microdiscectomy procedure is a major surgery, so following your surgeon's instructions is essential. However, it is a minimally invasive and common spine procedure. It can help to reduce pain and other symptoms while restoring your quality of life.

Types of Microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive treatment to relieve symptoms of compressed spinal nerves. Surgeons name the different types of microdiscectomy procedures based on the location of the surgery.

Procedures include:

• Cervical microdiscectomy — Treats compressed nerves in your neck.
• Lumbar microdiscectomy — Treats compressed nerves in your lower back (most common).
• Thoracic microdiscectomy — Treats compressed nerves in your middle and upper back (rare).

Conditions we treat with microdiscectomy

The main condition treated using a microdiscectomy is nerve compression due to a herniated disc.

Why Would I Need Microdiscectomy?

You may need a microdiscectomy procedure if you have a herniated disc. It can help relieve pain or other symptoms caused by compressed spinal nerves.

Herniated disc symptoms may get better with nonsurgical care. It is vital to try nonsurgical treatment before considering surgery. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may say you need surgery right away.

Who is a candidate for microdiscectomy?

You may be a candidate for microdiscectomy if your symptoms don't get better with nonsurgical care.

Symptoms of a herniated disc include:

• Difficulty controlling your bowels or bladder (incontinence).
• Difficulty performing everyday activities, such as walking, sitting, standing, or grasping objects.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs.
• Pain that has not improved with nonsurgical treatment.

Alternatives to microdiscectomy

If you cannot have a minimally invasive microdiscectomy, your surgeon may recommend a traditional open discectomy procedure. Other alternatives to microdiscectomy include nonsurgical care to manage symptoms.

Nonsurgical options include:

• Heat or ice.
• Over-the-counter pain medicine.
• Physical therapy.
• Steroid injections.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Microdiscectomy?

As with any surgery, microdiscectomy surgery comes with some risks.

Possible complications include:

• Bleeding or infection at your incision site.
• Blood clots.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
• Instability in your spine.
• Nerve damage.
• No improvement or a return of symptoms.
• Problems with anesthesia.
• Reduced range of motion in your neck or back.

What are the downsides of microdiscectomy? 

Microdiscectomy is a safe and successful procedure for most people. It's possible that your symptoms may not improve after surgery. In some cases, you may need more surgery to treat existing symptoms or other problems that develop in the future.

What Should I Expect From A Microdiscectomy?

Before: How to prepare for microdiscectomy

Before surgery, you will meet with your surgical team and have a physical exam. Your surgical team may order tests.

Pre-surgery tests include:

• Blood or urine tests — Blood work and urine studies to check your health for surgery. These also look for signs of illness or infection.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) — This test records the electrical activity of your heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage. EKGs are often performed before surgery to ensure your heart is healthy and identify potential problems.
• MRI — MRI is a diagnostic procedure that combines large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within your body.
• X-ray — Your doctor may order an x-ray to learn more about the condition of the bones and tissues in your spine.

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and answer your questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should: 

• Fast for a certain period of time prior to the procedure. Your doctor will tell you how long to fast (usually overnight).
• Have any tests that your doctor recommends. For example, your doctor may request a blood test before the procedure to determine how long it takes your blood to clot.
• Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or allergic to any medicine, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
• Tell your doctor about all medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal or other supplements you are taking.
• Tell your doctor if you have any other health conditions. Your care team may need to take certain precautions during surgery for your safety.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medicine, aspirin, or other medicine that affects blood clotting. You may need to stop some of the medicines before the procedure.

On the day of your procedure, bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.

After your procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital or get discharged the same day, depending on your doctor's assessment. Most patients can safely return home the same day, but your doctor will tell you what to expect.

If you stay overnight, you should bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medicines, and a change of clothes. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after the care team discharges you.

How long does microdiscectomy take?

A microdiscectomy takes one to two hours, depending on your condition and the type of procedure performed.

During your microdiscectomy

When you arrive at the hospital, you will meet with your care team for final preparations.

Depending on your doctor's assessment, you may receive an IV with general anesthesia or get local anesthesia.

If you receive general anesthesia, you will be asleep for the procedure. If you receive local anesthesia, you will be awake but feel no pain.

After you receive anesthesia, your surgeon will:

• Make an incision in your back to access your spine.
• Insert a surgical microscope that provides an up-close view of your spine.
• Use small surgical instruments to remove all or part of your damaged disc. 

After your procedure, your surgeon will close your incision and make sure your condition is stable. 

Recovery after microdiscectomy

After your procedure, your care team will monitor you in the recovery area. Your doctor will let you know if it is safe for you to go home or if you need to spend a night in the hospital. You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital after they discharge you.

Before you go home, your doctor will tell you:

• How and when to wear a neck or back brace, if needed.
• How to care for your incision and watch for signs of infection or complications.
• What medicines you need to take.
• When or if you should begin physical therapy.
• When to call your doctor or 911 if you have certain symptoms.
• When you can return to your normal activities, such as driving.
• Which movements are safe and which movements to avoid.

How long does it take to recover from a microdiscectomy?

It can take up to three months to fully recover after a microdiscectomy, depending on your condition, the extent of your surgery, and your overall health. Your doctor will talk to you about your expected recovery time.

How painful is a microdiscectomy? 

You will have general or local anesthesia during your procedure, so you will not feel any pain. After the procedure, your incision may feel sore for a few days. It can also take several days for the pain caused by your herniated disc to go away.

When to call your doctor about post-op problems

You should let your surgeon know if you have:

• A fever of more than 100.0°F.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Difficulty with walking or keeping your balance.
• New or increasing shortness of breath.
• Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your arms or legs.
• Pain, redness, bleeding, drainage, or increased swelling at your incision site.
• Severe pain that does not respond to medicine.

What is the prognosis after microdiscectomy?

Most people can live full and active lives after microdiscectomy surgery. However, your doctor may recommend that you avoid certain strenuous activities.

What is the success rate of microdiscectomy?

The success rate for microdiscectomy depends on many factors, including your overall health, the location of your herniated disc, and the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor will discuss the expected success rate of your procedure with you.

Why Choose UPMC for Microdiscectomy?

UPMC surgeons use the least invasive, most effective approach to treat all types of spinal nerve disorders, including those caused by herniated discs. Our team has pioneered some of the latest approaches to microdiscectomy surgery using advanced devices and techniques — promoting safer surgeries, improved outcomes, and enhanced quality of life.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-06-26.