Overview
A minimally invasive microdiscectomy is a type of surgery that is often used to remove herniated disc material compressing a nerve, which can cause sciatica, numbness, or weakness in the legs. The procedure, also called lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, utilizes a microscope and smaller incisions versus an open lumbar discectomy to treat and provide rapid symptom relief from herniated disc nerve compression.
Microdiscectomy surgery services are located in the Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, and Virginia areas.
What is minimally invasive microdiscectomy surgery?
This surgery involves a special microscope that is used to look at your spinal discs and nerves surrounding the area. This allows your doctor to use a smaller incision in the back during the surgery, which causes less tissue damage and speeds up recovery time. During the procedure, your surgeon will insert a special tool through a small opening in your back, going around the muscles to reach the spine. Then, your surgeon will remove the damaged spinal disc material, relieving pressure on nearby nerves. Lastly, the muscles are moved back into place and your incision is repaired.
Microdiscectomy recovery
After surgery, most patients spend only a few hours in the hospital before returning home the same day. Your physician will work closely with you and your family to create a personalized recovery plan designed to support healing and help you resume your normal activities as safely and quickly as possible.
Recovery after a microdiscectomy usually begins with a short period of rest to reduce strain on the spine. Pain medication may be prescribed to ease discomfort in the first days after surgery. As you heal, your care team may introduce physical therapy and exercise therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Keep in mind that recovery time is different for every patient. Discomfort should decrease gradually over time. Most people are able to return to many daily activities within 2 to 4 weeks, though complete recovery may take 6 to 8 weeks. You will not be able to drive for approximately two weeks, depending on your individual case. Restrictions such as avoiding heavy lifting and bending at the waist typically remain in place for 4 to 6 weeks.
It is also important to carefully monitor your incision site. Swelling, redness, drainage, or a fever higher than 101.5°F should be reported to your surgeon right away. To allow the incision time to heal, you should keep it dry for about two weeks. Sponge baths are usually recommended during this period.
Your care team will schedule follow-up appointments to track your progress, typically beginning at two weeks after surgery and continuing at regular intervals.
What are the benefits of microdiscectomy?
The benefits of microdiscectomy surgery include:
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Back pain relief
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Leg pain relief
MedStar Health is proud to offer this surgery. Our experienced spine surgeons offer you the comprehensive care you need to return to your pain-free life. Our spine surgeons are fellowship-trained in spinal surgery and specialize exclusively in caring for neck and back conditions.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
Spine Surgery
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Evelyne S Akoth, MD PA
Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery
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Amjad Nasr Anaizi, MD
Skull Base Surgery, Brain and Tumor Neurosurgery, Vascular Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Oncology, Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery
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Rocco Anthony Armonda, MD
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery & Neurological Surgery
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Paul L. Asdourian, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Joseph Leigh Ferguson, MD
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Seyed Babak Kalantar, MD
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Akhil Jay Khanna, MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Mesfin A. Lemma, MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Addisu Mesfin, MD
Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Fred Mo, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Bradley William Moatz, AGRC MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Matthew Thomas Morris, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery, Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Zan A Naseer, MD
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Oliver O. Tannous, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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David A Weiner, MD MS
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Sam W. Wiesel, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
Show All Spine Surgery
Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Lafayette Centre
1120 20th St NW Building 1 South Washington, D.C., 20036
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Annapolis Generals Highway
2114 Generals Highway Suite 101-B Annapolis, MD 21401
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Ellicott City
9501 Old Annapolis Road Dorsey Hall Medical Center Suite 220 Ellicott City, MD 21042
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Hunt Valley
2 Loveton Circle Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Timonium
2118 Greenspring Dr. Timonium, MD 21093
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Annapolis Bestgate Road
810 Bestgate Rd. Suite 310 Annapolis, MD 21401
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Perry Hall
5009 Honeygo Center Dr. Ste. 210 Perry Hall, MD 21128
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7503 Surratts Rd. Clinton, MD 20735
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Bel Air
12 MedStar Blvd. Ste. 300 Bel Air, MD 21015
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Chevy Chase
5454 Wisconsin Ave. Ste. 1225 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Ellicott City
9501 Old Annapolis Road Ste. 220 Ellicott City, MD 21042
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Frederick
163 Thomas Johnson Drive Unit E Frederick, MD 21702
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Kent Island
1630 Main St. Ste. 208 Chester , MD 21619
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at McLean Beverly Road
1420 Beverly Road Ste. 200 McLean, VA 22101
703-752-8069
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9103 Franklin Square Dr. Suite 301 Rosedale, MD 21237
443-777-6867
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at MedStar Harbor Hospital
2900 S. Hanover St. 1st Floor Baltimore, MD 21225
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center Neuroscience Center
110 Irving St., NW Ste. G019 Washington, D.C., 20010
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18109 Prince Philip Dr. Ste. 300 Olney, MD 20832
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Pikesville
1838 Greene Tree Rd Ste.245 Pikesville, MD 21208
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Timonium
2118 Greenspring Drive 2nd Fl. Timonium, MD 21093
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Vienna
8230 Boone Boulevard Ste. 360 Vienna, VA 22182
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Westminster
412 Malcolm Drive Ste. 200 Westminster, MD 21157
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Catonsville
4660 Wilkens Avenue Ste. 100 Baltimore, MD 21229
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Brandywine
13950 Brandywine Road 2nd Floor Brandywine, MD 20613
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Leonardtown
23503 Hollywood Road Suite 101 Leonardtown, MD 20650
MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center Surgery Center
9101 Franklin Square Dr. Medical Arts Bldg. Ste. 200 Baltimore, MD 21237
MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road NW Washington, D.C., 20007
MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Harbor Hospital
2900 South Hanover St. Baltimore, MD 21225
MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18109 Prince Philip Drive Suite 325 Olney, MD 20832
MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving Street NW Physician's Office Building, North Ste. 5000 Washington, DC 20010
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Mitchellville
12158 Central Avenue Mitchellville, MD 20721
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Bel Air
12 MedStar Blvd. 3rd Floor Bel Air, MD 21015
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Westminster
412 Malcolm Dr. Ste. 200 Westminster, MD 21157
MedStar Health: Spine Center at Chevy Chase
5454 Wisconsin Ave. Barlow Bldg. 11th Floor Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-215-4470
MedStar Health Spine Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
3333 North Calvert St. Johnston Professional Building Ste. 655 Baltimore, MD 21218
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Chevy Chase
5454 Wisconsin Ave. 11th Floor Chevy Chase, MD 20815
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Frederick
163 Thomas Johnson Drive 1st floor Ste E Frederick, MD 21702
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Leisure World
3305 North Leisure World Blvd. Silver Spring, MD 20903
MedStar Health: Orthopedics at Reisterstown
116 Westminster Pike Ste 102 Reisterstown, MD 21136
Frequently asked questions
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Who is a good candidate for microdiscectomy?
A good candidate for microdiscectomy is typically a patient with a herniated lumbar disc that is compressing a nerve root and causing leg pain (sciatica) that is more severe than low back pain. These patients often experience symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the lower back into the buttock, leg, or foot.
Microdiscectomy is designed to relieve pressure on the affected nerve root by removing the portion of the herniated disc causing the compression. Patients whose symptoms are primarily nerve-related leg symptoms, rather than isolated back pain, are generally more likely to benefit from this procedure.
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Is microdiscectomy considered minimally invasive spine surgery?
Microdiscectomy is often associated with minimally invasive spine surgery, but not all microdiscectomies are performed using minimally invasive techniques. Today, virtually all discectomies are considered microdiscectomies because surgeons use a surgical microscope or magnification to visualize the affected nerve and disc.
A microdiscectomy can be performed through a traditional open approach or using minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) techniques, which typically involve smaller incisions and less disruption of surrounding tissues. The best surgical approach for you depends on your anatomy, the location of the disc herniation, and the surgeon's experience and preferences.
If you're considering surgery for a herniated disc, your spine surgeon can explain whether a minimally invasive microdiscectomy is an appropriate option for your specific condition.
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What is the difference between microdiscectomy and traditional discectomy?
Today, most discectomies are performed using magnification and are commonly referred to as microdiscectomies. The primary difference patients may hear about is not necessarily between a microdiscectomy and a discectomy, but between an open microdiscectomy and a minimally invasive microdiscectomy.
An open microdiscectomy typically involves a larger incision and greater disruption of the surrounding back muscles. In contrast, a minimally invasive microdiscectomy uses smaller incisions and specialized surgical techniques designed to minimize tissue disruption.
Both procedures are usually performed as outpatient, same-day surgeries and have a high likelihood of improving symptoms caused by a herniated disc and nerve compression. Some studies suggest that minimally invasive techniques may help patients recover more quickly after surgery, although outcomes can vary based on individual factors.
Your spine surgeon can recommend the most appropriate approach based on your condition, anatomy, and treatment goals.
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What activities should I avoid after a microdiscectomy?
After a microdiscectomy, it is important to protect the healing disc and reduce the risk of a recurrent (repeat) disc herniation. For the first six weeks after surgery, patients are typically advised to avoid activities that place excessive stress on the lower back.
This generally includes:
- Heavy lifting
- Repetitive bending at the waist
- Twisting motions of the spine
Your surgeon may also recommend a gradual return to normal activities and provide specific guidelines based on your recovery progress.
Always follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions, as recovery recommendations may vary depending on your individual condition and surgical procedure.
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How long does it take to recover from a microdiscectomy?
Recovery after a microdiscectomy varies from person to person, but many patients notice improvement in their leg pain, sciatica, numbness, or tingling within days to weeks after surgery. In some cases, nerve-related symptoms continue to improve gradually over several weeks or months as the nerve heals.
Your surgeon will provide personalized guidance on activity restrictions, return to work, and recovery milestones based on your individual condition and healing progress.