Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression & Microdiscectomy

A minimally invasive lumbar decompression and microdiscectomy begins with a small incision in the skin. Dilators are then used to separate and expand the surrounding muscle with minimal damage to expose the operative site. Once the correct site is identified, microscopic instruments are used to remove bony overgrowth as well as other material that causes crowding or compression of the nerves. If a disc herniation is present a small incision is made in the disc to remove the disc material that is impinging upon the nerve. Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to result in less blood loss, quicker recovery time, and less pain compared to open surgery.