Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Proven Minimally Invasive Surgery for Herniated Discs and Sciatica Relief.
A small incision, a surgical microscope, and decades of proven results. Lumbar microdiscectomy is one of the most commonly performed spine surgeries in the world, and NASPI's board-certified surgeons bring it to patients across Northern New Jersey.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Daniel M. Dorri, MD, and Dr. Christopher J. Bilbao, DO, Board-Certified Spine Surgeons
Need a Lumbar Microdiscectomy?
If sciatica or leg pain from a herniated disc has been limiting your life despite weeks of conservative treatment, NASPI's spine surgery team can help. Practice founder Dr. Daniel M. Dorri and fellowship-trained neurosurgeon Dr. Christopher J. Bilbao have extensive experience performing lumbar microdiscectomy using minimally invasive techniques. With locations across Northern New Jersey, expert spine surgery is close to home.
What Is a Lumbar Microdiscectomy?
Lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery that removes the portion of a herniated disc in the lower back that is pressing on a spinal nerve. It is one of the most commonly performed and well-studied spine procedures in the world, with a long track record of excellent outcomes for relieving sciatica and leg pain caused by nerve compression.
During the procedure, your surgeon makes a small incision (typically 2 to 3 cm) in the midline of the lower back and uses a surgical microscope or high-powered magnification to visualize the affected nerve and disc. A small amount of bone (a partial laminotomy) may be removed to create a window for accessing the nerve, and the herniated disc fragment compressing the nerve is carefully extracted.
Unlike traditional open surgery, microdiscectomy preserves the surrounding muscles by working through a small tubular retractor that gently separates the muscle fibers rather than cutting them. The result is less tissue damage, less post-operative pain, and a faster return to daily life. Most patients go home the same day. Microdiscectomy is one of the most reliable forms of spine surgery available, and NASPI is proud to offer it to patients throughout Northern New Jersey.
Conditions Treated With Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Lumbar microdiscectomy is highly effective for patients whose nerve compression is caused by a disc problem in the lower back that has not responded to conservative care.
- $Lumbar Herniated Disc
- $Sciatica / Radiculopathy
- $Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis
- $Recurrent Disc Herniation
- $Degenerative Disc Disease
- $Cauda Equina Syndrome (Emergency)
If conservative treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or epidural steroid injections have not provided lasting relief after six or more weeks, lumbar microdiscectomy may be the appropriate next step. For patients with cauda equina syndrome (loss of bladder or bowel control), surgery may be recommended on an urgent basis.
Benefits of Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy has been refined over decades and remains one of the most reliable procedures in spine surgery. Compared to traditional open back surgery, the minimally invasive microdiscectomy approach offers patients meaningful advantages:
Small Incision
2 to 3 cm. Minimal scarring and tissue disruption.
High Success Rate
90%+ success for relieving leg pain and sciatica.
Same-Day Discharge
Most patients go home hours after surgery.
Muscle-Sparing
Tubular retractors separate, not cut, back muscles.
Fast Recovery
Light activity in days. Desk work in 1 to 2 weeks.
Immediate Sciatica Relief
Leg pain often improves as soon as the nerve is freed.
Ready to explore your options?
How Lumbar Microdiscectomy Works: What to Expect
Microdiscectomy is a same-day, microscope-assisted procedure performed under general anesthesia. Here is what to expect from your first consultation through full recovery.
Before
Before the Procedure
During your initial consultation, your spine surgeon will review your MRI, complete medical history, and all previous treatments. Microdiscectomy is typically recommended after conservative approaches like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections have been given adequate time to work (usually six or more weeks) without sufficient improvement.
If your symptoms include progressive weakness or signs of cauda equina syndrome, surgery may be recommended sooner. You will receive clear pre-operative instructions and have time to ask any questions before your procedure date.
During
During the Procedure
You will be placed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon makes a small incision (2 to 3 cm) in the midline of your lower back, centered over the affected disc level. A tubular retractor is inserted to gently separate the back muscles without cutting them.
Using a surgical microscope for high-powered magnification, the surgeon removes a small portion of the lamina bone (a partial laminotomy) to create a window to the spinal canal. The nerve root is carefully identified and gently retracted, and the herniated disc fragment compressing the nerve is removed. The instruments are withdrawn and the incision is closed with absorbable sutures.
The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
After
Home same day, walking within hours, follow-ups
After the Procedure
Most patients are up and walking within hours of surgery and go home the same day. Many patients notice immediate improvement in their leg pain as soon as they wake up from anesthesia, since the nerve compression has been directly eliminated. Mild incision soreness is normal for the first few days and is managed with prescribed medication.
Light daily activities can resume within a few days. Driving is typically allowed within one to two weeks once you have stopped taking prescription pain medication. Dr. Dorri, Dr. Bilbao, and their team will provide detailed, personalized recovery instructions, including guidance on returning to exercise, bending, lifting, and more physically demanding work.
Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and may recommend a structured course of physical therapy two to four weeks after surgery to rebuild core strength and reduce the risk of re-injury. Numbness or weakness that was present before surgery may take longer to resolve as the nerve heals.
Are You a Good Candidate?
You may be a candidate if:
- N MRI confirms a lumbar herniated disc compressing a nerve root
- NSciatica or radiating leg pain following a specific nerve pattern
- NNumbness, tingling, or progressive weakness in the leg or foot
- NSymptoms lasting 6+ weeks despite conservative care
- NDifficulty with daily activities, work, or sleeping
- NPain primarily from disc herniation, not stenosis
May not be ideal if:
- Severe spinal instability requiring fusion
- Surgery needed at multiple levels simultaneously
- Significant central stenosis as the main pain driver
- Complex spinal deformity (scoliosis, kyphosis)
- Pain primarily from facet joints rather than disc
Every patient is different. During your consultation, your surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation and always recommend the safest, most effective treatment plan for your specific condition, whether that is microdiscectomy, a different surgical approach, or continued conservative care.
Risks & What You Should Know
Lumbar microdiscectomy is considered one of the safest and most well-studied spine procedures available. However, like any surgical procedure, it does carry potential risks, including:
- Infection at the incision site
- Recurrence of disc herniation
- Nerve irritation or injury
- Dural tear (a small tear in the membrane surrounding the spinal cord)
- Persistent or incomplete symptom relief
- Bleeding
- Rare complications related to anesthesia
At NASPI, we prioritize careful patient selection, microscope-assisted precision, and our surgeons' specialized training in minimally invasive techniques to minimize these risks and give every patient the best possible outcome.
Ready to explore your options?
Your Spine Surgery Team
Daniel M. Dorri, MD, FABPMR
Practice Founder & Spine Surgeon
Dr. Dorri founded NASPI to provide comprehensive spine care from diagnosis through surgical treatment, all under one roof. His extensive experience means your care is guided by a surgeon who has evaluated your condition from day one.
Christopher J. Bilbao, DO,
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Dr. Bilbao is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with specialized expertise in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery techniques, including robotic-assisted procedures.
Why Choose NASPI for Spine Surgery?
Experienced Surgeons
Advanced MIS and endoscopic training
Complete Care
Diagnosis through recovery, one roof
Cutting-edge Tech
Latest instruments and imaging
Patient-centered
Clear communication, every step
Lumbar Microdiscectomy FAQs
What is the difference between microdiscectomy and endoscopic discectomy?
Both procedures remove herniated disc material to relieve nerve compression. Microdiscectomy uses a 2 to 3 cm incision and a surgical microscope for magnification, while endoscopic discectomy uses a sub-1 cm incision with a camera inserted directly into the surgical site. Endoscopic discectomy is generally less invasive, but not all herniations are suited to the endoscopic approach. Your surgeon will recommend whichever technique is most appropriate for your specific herniation.
How long does a lumbar microdiscectomy take?
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the herniation and whether additional decompression is needed. You will be under general anesthesia for the duration.
What is the recovery time after microdiscectomy?
Most patients go home the same day and can resume light activities within a few days. Driving is typically allowed within one to two weeks. Desk work can usually resume within one to two weeks. More physically demanding jobs may require four to six weeks. Your surgeon will provide personalized recovery guidelines.
Will I need physical therapy after microdiscectomy?
Many patients benefit from a structured course of physical therapy starting two to four weeks after surgery. PT focuses on rebuilding core and back strength, restoring flexibility, and reducing the risk of recurrent herniation. Your surgeon will provide personalized recommendations based on your recovery.
Is microdiscectomy covered by insurance?
Yes. Lumbar microdiscectomy is a well-established procedure that is covered by most major insurance plans when medically necessary. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your coverage before scheduling. Contact us with any insurance questions.
How soon will my sciatica improve after surgery?
Many patients notice significant improvement in leg pain immediately after surgery or within the first few days. Numbness and tingling may take longer to resolve as the nerve heals, sometimes several weeks to a few months depending on how long the nerve was compressed before surgery.
Can a herniated disc come back after microdiscectomy?
Recurrent disc herniation occurs in approximately 5% to 10% of patients over time. The risk is highest in the first few months after surgery. Following your post-operative restrictions on bending, lifting, and twisting, and building core strength through physical therapy, are the most important things you can do to reduce that risk.
What if my symptoms don't improve after microdiscectomy?
While the success rate is high, a small number of patients have persistent or recurrent symptoms. If this happens, your surgeon will work with you to identify the cause, whether it is a recurrent herniation, scar tissue, or another spinal condition, and recommend the next steps. Options can include additional conservative care, repeat decompression, or in some cases lumbar spinal fusion for patients with instability.
Am I too old for microdiscectomy?
Age alone is not a disqualifier. Patients in their 70s and 80s have undergone successful microdiscectomy. What matters more is your overall health, the condition of your spine, and whether you are a good candidate for general anesthesia. Your surgeon will evaluate these factors during your consultation.
Where can I get a lumbar microdiscectomy in Northern New Jersey?
NASPI offers lumbar microdiscectomy at our Northern New Jersey locations, including Paramus, Clifton, Bayonne, North Bergen, Newark, and Secaucus. Contact us or call (844) 666-2774 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dorri or Dr. Bilbao.
Related Spine Surgery Procedures
Endoscopic Discectomy →
Least invasive option, sub-1 cm incision using high-definition endoscopic technology.
ACDF →
Standard surgical treatment for cervical herniated discs causing neck and arm pain.
Lumbar Spinal Fusion →
For spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, or recurrent herniations requiring stabilization.
Cervical Disc Replacement →
Motion-preserving alternative to fusion for cervical disc disease.
What Our Spine Surgery Patients Are Saying
I found Dr. Dorri to be very detailed and complete in my surgical and follow up appointments.
He always asked how I felt and my concerns very detailed in listening to my concerns and always took time to listen to me.
I've completed my care plan with Dr. Dorri and I'm pleased with the my care and results.
Thank You Dr. Dorri
N. Hairston
I’m truly happy with the results of my surgery. My knee feels so much better, my mobility has improved, and I’m able to do things again that had become difficult before. The improvement has made a real difference in my everyday life.
What I appreciated most was not only Dr. Boiardo’s skill as a surgeon, but also the kindness and personal attention I received throughout the process. I felt that I was in very capable hands every step of the way.
I would highly recommend Dr. Boiardo to anyone needing an orthopedic surgeon. I’m very thankful for the excellent care I received and for such a positive outcome.
Insurance & Locations
NASPI accepts out-of-network benefits from most major insurance plans including Horizon BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Oxford, and more.
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We also work with workers' compensation and personal injury/no-fault cases.
*We are unable to accept Medicare, Medicaid, or OMNIA plans at this time.