Lumbar disc microsurgery is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the herniated portion of a lumbar disc that is putting pressure on a spinal nerve root.

The patient is usually given general anesthesia during the procedure. For the lumbar disc microsurgery, the surgeon accesses the herniated disc through a small incision in the lower back. Using special medical microscope cameras, the neurosurgeon can view the nerve root being pinched by the herniated disc. Sometimes a portion of the lamina, the bony arch of the spinal canal, is removed (laminectomy). Using a nerve retractor, the surgeon moves the nerve away from the bulging disc. Once the spinal nerve is safely out of the way, the damaged portion of the disc is then removed, but the healthy part of the vertebral disc remains, to continue providing cushioning and support for your spine.