Micro-discectomy

This procedure involves removing loose or protruding disc fragments through a small skin incision over the lower back with limited muscle or bone dissection. The procedure is done using a surgical microscope to improve visualisation. Local anaesthetic is injected into the surgical site to improve post-operative pain relief and a small dressing will be applied. The aim is for patients to go home on the same day.

Post op care

A wound check will need to be performed at 2 weeks after the procedure. The wound should be kept dry until this time. Patients can return to work at 6 weeks for light office type work or 3 months for manual work. Generally patients are safe to drive by six weeks. Patients can gradually increase their level of activity from 6 weeks onwards but heavy lifting and bending exercises should be avoided for at least three months.

Surgical outcomes

All surgical procedures are recorded on the British Spine Registry (BSR). This includes pre- and post-operative clinical scores and a record of any surgical implants used.

Pre-operative clinical scores need to be completed prior to any procedure and can be downloaded here. You will be contacted directly by the BSR by email for your post-operative outcome scores at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after any procedure.