What should you know about percutaneous microdiscectomy?

A microdiscectomy is usually considered when a herniated disc irritates a nerve and symptoms such as sciatica persist despite appropriate non-surgical care. Percutaneous access means the surgeon reaches the affected area through a limited opening, using magnification or visual guidance to identify and remove the fragment affecting the nerve. The procedure targets nerve compression; it does not rebuild the disc or treat every cause of back pain. Suitability depends on examination and imaging matching the symptoms.

Before deciding, discuss the source of your pain, imaging findings, anaesthesia, medicines, activity restrictions and the expected rehabilitation plan. Epidural steroid injection or physiotherapy may be considered before surgery in selected cases, while endoscopic spine surgery may be an alternative approach. Afterward, follow wound and lifting instructions, walk as advised and increase activity gradually. Physiotherapy can help restore movement, trunk control and confidence once the surgical team says it is appropriate.

Contact the surgical team for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain or new weakness. Seek urgent help for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the inner thighs or genitals, or rapidly progressing weakness. New or returning radiating leg pain also deserves review, particularly when it is accompanied by a change in strength or sensation.

Which nerve is being compressed, and do my symptoms match the scan? What non-surgical options remain? Why is this access route suitable for me? When can I drive, work, lift and start physiotherapy?