Microdiscectomy Surgery in Gurgaon, Haryana

What is Microdiscectomy?

As a patient, you should know microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine procedure. It is performed to remove the slipped disc portion pressing your spinal nerve. You experience leg pain because the herniated disc irritates or compresses the nerve. This surgery helps relieve pressure, so your pain, numbness, and weakness improve quickly. 

As a patient, you benefit from smaller cuts, faster healing, and less postoperative discomfort. Microdiscectomy is advised when medicines, physiotherapy, and rest fail to give lasting relief. It becomes necessary when nerve compression threatens your mobility or long-term nerve function recovery. 

Types of Microdiscectomy

Each technique follows the same goal of relieving nerve compression caused by a herniated disc. The choice depends on disc location, surgeon expertise, and the required operating space available. 

• Standard Microdiscectomy uses a small incision and microscope to precisely remove disc pressure. 

• Endoscopic Microdiscectomy uses a thin camera system, allowing clearer visibility through an ultra-small access point. 

• Tubular Microdiscectomy separates muscles using a tube channel, reducing tissue damage and recovery time. 

• Minimally Invasive Microdiscectomy combines advanced tools and tiny incisions for efficient nerve decompression overall. 

How is Microdiscectomy Carried Out by the Surgeon?

Anaesthesia is administered to ensure complete comfort and stillness throughout the surgical procedure. A small incision is made, and specialized visualization tools provide a clear view of the affected area. The surgeon carefully removes the herniated disc portion pressing on the spinal nerve. This targeted removal reduces nerve irritation while preserving healthy surrounding disc structures. Once decompression is complete, the incision is closed using fine sutures for minimal scarring. 

Here’s the detailed step-by-step process.

Pre-operative preparation and anaesthesia

The surgeon confirms imaging, marks the operative level under fluoroscopy, and reviews positioning. After general or regional anaesthesia is induced, they position the patient prone on a padded frame to flex the lumbar spine slightly, which widens the interlaminar space and reduces venous bleeding. 

Localization and Incision

Under fluoroscopic guidance, they localize the exact vertebral level. By making a midline or paramedian skin incision, usually 2–3 cm long, sized to the chosen approach. Meticulous hemostasis of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia is performed to maintain a clear field. 

Exposure and Visualization

Using sequential dilators or a tubular retractor (if using the tubular technique) surgeon creates a working corridor to the lamina and facet junction. Now soft tissues are removed off the bony landmarks, and a surgical microscope or endoscope is applied for magnified visualization. Maintaining gentle tissue handling minimizes muscle trauma. 

Laminotomy and Ligamentum Flavum Management

A limited laminotomy or medial facetectomy is performed as needed to expose the nerve root. The ligamentum flavum is carefully resected to reveal the dural sac and the traversing nerve root, taking care to avoid dural tears.

Nerve Root Retraction and Disc Removal

With small nerve retractors the surgeons mobilize the nerve root gently to visualize the annular defect. They open the annulus and remove sequestrated and offending disc fragments with pituitary rongeurs and curettes, ensuring adequate decompression. After inspecting the canal and foramen, they confirm no residual fragments have remained. 

Hemostasis and Inspection

Surgeons verify hemostasis, irrigate the wound, and reassess nerve root mobility. If a dural tear occurred, they repair it primarily or with adjuncts and decide on drain placement accordingly. 

Closure and Dressing

Surgeons' close fascia with interrupted absorbable sutures, approximate subcutaneous tissue, and close skin with sutures or glue. A sterile dressing is applied. Postoperative orders include early mobilization, analgesia, and activity instructions.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy is a procedure that targets the source of nerve irritation, ensuring faster recovery, pain relief, and improved quality of life. It is a minimally invasive spine procedure designed to relieve pressure on the nerves and restore mobility. It is most recommended for conditions that cause leg pain, numbness, or weakness due to lumbar spine issues. 

• Herniated Lumbar Disc: Removes the disc portion pressing on nearby nerves to relieve pain and restore movement. 

• Sciatica: Effectively treats leg pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. 

• Nerve Root Compression: Alleviates pressure on spinal nerve roots, reducing numbness, tingling, or weakness. 

• Radiating Leg Pain: Helps stop pain traveling from the lower back down to the legs. 

• Cauda Equina Symptoms (Emergency): In cases of severe nerve compression causing bladder or bowel issues, microdiscectomy provides urgent relief and prevents permanent damage. 

How Recovery Begins After Microdiscectomy?

Recovery after microdiscectomy is generally faster than most spine surgeries because the procedure is minimally invasive, but it still progresses in defined phases to ensure safe healing and full nerve recovery. 

1. Immediate Post-operative Phase (First 24–48 Hours)

Most patients wake up with noticeable relief from leg pain, as nerve pressure is removed instantly. Mild incision soreness or back stiffness is normal. You are encouraged to walk within a few hours, as early movement reduces stiffness, prevents blood clots, and improves confidence. Patients are usually discharged the same day or the next morning depending on comfort and stability. 

2. Early Home Recovery (Week 1–2)

During this phase, the focus is on wound healing and controlling inflammation. Walking multiple short sessions a day is encouraged, while bending, twisting, and lifting are avoided to protect the surgical site. Incision care involves keeping the dressing clean and dry until stitches or skin glue settle. Most patients return to desk work within 7–14 days depending on pain levels. 

3. Intermediate Recovery (Week 3–6)

Once the initial discomfort settles, gradual strengthening begins. Light physiotherapy may be introduced to restore posture, improve core stability, and reduce the risk of recurrence. Nerve pain may fluctuate mildly as inflammation settles, which is normal. By week six, most daily activities—including longer walks—are comfortably manageable. 

4. Full Functional Recovery (6 Weeks–3 Months)

Patients typically resume heavier activities like gym workouts, long travel, or moderate lifting after surgeon clearance, usually around 6–10 weeks. Nerve healing, however, can continue for several months, especially if pre-surgery compression was severe. Maintaining core strength and proper ergonomics is essential to prevent re-herniation. 

5. Long-Term Outlook

With disciplined rehabilitation and activity modification, most individuals regain full mobility, return to active lifestyles, and experience lasting relief from sciatica symptoms. 

What are the Indications for Microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy is recommended when a herniated or slipped lumbar disc compresses a spinal nerve and causes symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatment. The primary indication is leg-dominant pain (sciatica) caused by nerve root irritation, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot. Patients who continue to experience severe radiating pain after 4–8 weeks of physiotherapy, medications, and lifestyle modification are typical candidates. Progressive neurological deficits—such as worsening weakness, foot drop, or significant sensory loss—are strong indicators that surgical decompression may be necessary. 

Additional indications include large disc herniations visible on MRI that correlate with symptoms or cases where the pain becomes disabling enough to limit mobility, sleep, or daily function. Rare but urgent scenarios, such as bladder or bowel disturbances, saddle anaesthesia, or acute cauda equina syndrome, require immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent nerve damage. 

Best Spine Surgeons and Ortho-Spine Specialists for Microdiscectomy at Artemis Hospitals

Artemis Hospitals is home to some of the most experienced spine and ortho-spine specialists, who routinely perform microdiscectomy using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. The team is known for its balanced clinical judgment, precise surgical planning, and patient-centric rehabilitation pathways, ensuring safer outcomes and smoother recovery. With access to high-end imaging, modern operating theatres, and dedicated physiotherapy support, patients receive comprehensive spine care under one roof. Whether it’s simple nerve decompression or complex disc pathology, the specialists follow evidence-based protocols tailored to each case. For consultation or appointment booking, you can contact +91 98004 00498.