Micro Endoscopic Discectomy (in the Lumbar Spine)

Overview

This surgery treats a bulging or herniated disc in your lower back. It gets rid of the tissue that presses on your spinal nerves. And it's done without a large incision.

Preparation

To begin, you are anesthetized. The surgeon makes a small opening in your skin. With the help of a fluoroscope (a video x-ray device), a guide wire is pushed through the opening and to your spine. Then, the surgeon enlarges the opening around the guide wire to make a working channel. The whole surgery is done through this channel.

Clearing the spinal canal

Using a camera (or microscope) and tiny instruments, the surgeon makes an opening to reach your spinal canal. The bulging disc tissue is cleared away. This makes more room for your spinal nerves. It gets rid of the pressure.

End of procedure

When the surgery is done, your skin is closed with a small bandage. You are watched for a brief time as you wake up. Follow your surgeons instructions as you recover.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.