Microdisectomy and Decompression

The traditional way of treating a herniated disc is to perform a laminotomy and discectomy. The term laminotomy means “make an opening in the lamina.” This procedure is used to give your doctor room to see and work inside your spinal canal. The term discectomy means “remove the disc.”

The laminotomy is performed through an incision down the center of your back over the area of the herniated disc. Your muscles are moved to the side so your doctor can see the back of your vertebrae. X-rays may be required during surgery to make sure the correct vertebra is located. Once the correct vertebra has been confirmed, your doctor will cut a small opening through the lamina bone on the back of your spinal column. The nerve roots are moved out of the way so the problem disc can be located.

Microdiscectomy is essentially the same as traditional discectomy, but this newer approach has several advantages. A much smaller incision is needed when performing a microdiscectomy. Also, there is less damage to nearby parts of your spine, and recovery tends to be faster. With microdiscectomy, a small incision is made in your back just above the area where the disc is herniated. Muscles are moved aside to see the vertebrae. Your doctor positions a microscope in the small incision. The remainder of the surgery is performed like the traditional method.