Microdiscectomy

This operation is used to remove the herniated portion of a vertebral disc. It is performed through a small incision in the back and is 95% to 98% effective in eliminating leg pain (sciatica) caused by nerve root compression.

What happens on the day?

The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and we therefore ask patients to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 6 hours prior to the injection.  Water however is allowed up to 2 hours before admission.  

Upon admission, the patient will be seen by the ward nurse, the anaesthetist and Mr. Lau himself.  Informed consent will be obtained and a mark placed on the back to confirm the correct site of the operation. The patient will be given a general anaesthetic and carefully positioned on their front for the operation which will be guided by a specialised X-ray machine.

A 2-3cm incision is made on the back, directly over the herniated disc, and a small window created to allow access to the trapped nerve.  The nerve is identified, protected and moved to one side to allow removal of the herniated disc fragment.  The disc is then checked for any other loose fragments and the nerve explored to ensure that it is free from compression.  Patients will wake with some moderate back pain but should be free of sciatica.  Discharge will be either later that day or the following day.

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Follow up

Typically, a routine follow-up appointment is made for 6 weeks.  During this time patients are asked to avoid any over-exertion, heavy lifting and straining of their backs to allow the disc to heal.  If there are any signs of foul smell, discharge, redness or swelling at the operation site, worsening or recurrent sciatica, then early medical attention should be sought.