Lumbar microdiscectomy is one of the most effective and commonly performed spine surgeries. Through a small incision, the herniated portion of the disc that is pressing on a nerve is removed — typically providing immediate relief from leg pain, numbness, and weakness. Most patients are discharged home within a few hours.
What Is Microdiscectomy?
A lumbar disc herniation occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc (the nucleus pulposus) pushes through the outer fibrous ring and presses on a nearby nerve root. This compression causes the sharp, shooting leg pain known as sciatica — often radiating from the low back through the buttock, thigh, and into the foot. Conservative treatment such as physical therapy and epidural steroid injections resolves most disc herniations, but when symptoms are severe, progressive, or persistent, microdiscectomy offers highly reliable relief.
During microdiscectomy, Dr. Chavarria makes a small incision (typically 1–2 inches) over the affected spinal level. Under loupe magnification or a surgical microscope, a small amount of bone is removed to expose the nerve and disc. The herniated disc fragment is carefully removed, releasing pressure on the nerve root. The disc itself is not fully removed — only the fragment that is compressing the nerve.
The success rate of microdiscectomy for relief of leg pain (radiculopathy) is approximately 90–95% in appropriately selected patients. Weakness and numbness often begin to improve within days to weeks of the procedure, though nerve healing can continue for months.
Are You a Candidate?
- Patients with lumbar disc herniation causing leg pain, numbness, or weakness (sciatica) unresponsive to 6–12 weeks of conservative care
- Patients with significant neurological deficit (foot drop, progressive weakness) — may require earlier surgical evaluation
- Patients with cauda equina syndrome (bowel or bladder dysfunction) — requires urgent surgical evaluation
- Patients with severe, unrelenting leg pain that limits daily function despite medications and injections
- Patients with MRI-confirmed disc herniation at a level consistent with their symptoms
What to Expect
Pre-operative: MRI confirmation of disc herniation at a level consistent with your symptoms. Pre-surgical bloodwork and medical clearance are completed. Blood thinners are typically held for 5–7 days.
Day of surgery: The procedure takes approximately 45–90 minutes under general anesthesia. Most patients are walking within 2 hours of surgery and discharged home the same day with oral pain medications.
First 2 weeks: Activity restrictions include avoiding bending, lifting over 10 lbs, and twisting. Walking is encouraged. A follow-up appointment at 7–10 days confirms wound healing and allows Dr. Chavarria to assess your neurological recovery.
4–6 weeks and beyond: Most patients return to desk work within 2–3 weeks and more physical activity at 4–6 weeks. Physical therapy begins at 4–6 weeks to strengthen the core and prevent recurrence. Full return to unrestricted activity typically occurs by 3 months.
Why Choose Dr. Chavarria for Your Microdiscectomy in Reno?
- 90–95% success rate for relief of sciatic leg pain
- Small incision — typically 1–2 inches
- Same-day discharge for most patients
- Rapid relief — leg pain often begins improving within days
- Short recovery — most patients return to desk work in 2–3 weeks
- Low complication rate with experienced minimally invasive technique