Microdiscectomy (Microdecompression) Spine Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedure for Back Pain
Microdiscectomy (or microdecompression) is one of the most common minimally invasive spinal surgical procedures and one we often perform at Ahlgren Spine.
The goal of a microdiscectomy is to reduce pressure on your spinal nerves and relieve back and leg pain caused by a herniated disc and sciatica.
However, unlike a traditional discectomy, which requires a relatively large incision that causes significant muscle damage and makes recovery slow and painful, a microdiscectomy takes a different approach.
Using special instruments and visualization tools, spine surgeon Dr. Bradley D. Ahlgren makes very small incisions to remove the part of your disc that’s placing pressure on your nerve and causing your pain, which results in a quicker and less painful recovery. Note that only the part of the disc that has herniated is removed; the rest of the disc is left intact.
Microdiscectomy (Microdecompression) Spine Surgery
Dr. Ahlgren may perform a microdiscectomy in one of two ways:
- Mini-open method, which is similar to an open discectomy, but uses smaller incisions and advanced technology to view the spine.
- Endoscopic method, which involves inserting a tiny video camera through a tube to view the spine and remove disc material using miniaturized instruments.
Dr. Ahlgren may also have to remove a small piece of the lamina (the bone that protects the spinal cord) from the affected vertebra in order to access the part of the disc pressing on the nerve.
Microdiscectomies are regularly performed using general anesthesia and only take about an hour to complete. The small incision is closed with one or two absorbable sutures.
As a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Dr. Ahlgren has successfully performed hundreds of these procedures.
Following surgery, Dr. Ahlgren will advise you on how soon you can resume exercise and your normal daily activities. Many patients experience significant pain relief soon after the procedure and are able to get back to their normal routines in less than two weeks.
Minimally Invasive Microdiscectomy in Rochester Hills, MI
To learn more about microdiscectomy and whether you are a good candidate for this surgical option, call Ahlgren Spine today at (248) 215-8080 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahlgren or request an appointment online.
