Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to remove a small portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve. It is one of the most reliable procedures in spine surgery for relieving sciatica and arm pain that has not responded to conservative care.
Motion-preserving when possible.
Dr. Yasmeh selects the least-invasive option that addresses your specific anatomy and goals.
- What it is: Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to remove a small portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve. It is one of the most reliable procedures in spine surgery for relieving sciatica and arm pain that has not responded to conservative care.
- Key benefits: Highly effective for sciatica from disc herniation; Small incision and minimal muscle disruption; Outpatient procedure for most patients.
- Typical candidates: Disc herniation with leg or arm pain; Symptoms unresponsive to 6–12 weeks of conservative care.
- Recovery: Most patients walk the same day and go home within hours. Light activity within 1–2 weeks. Most return to office work within 2 weeks and physical work within 4–6 weeks.
Benefits of microdiscectomy
- Highly effective for sciatica from disc herniation
- Small incision and minimal muscle disruption
- Outpatient procedure for most patients
- Quick return to walking and light activity
- Preserves the rest of the disc and spinal motion
Typical candidates
Dr. Yasmeh considers microdiscectomy for patients with:
- Disc herniation with leg or arm pain
- Symptoms unresponsive to 6–12 weeks of conservative care
- Clear MRI correlation with exam findings
- Progressive neurological weakness
Every surgical decision starts with imaging review, a careful physical exam, and a candid conversation about goals — surgical and non-surgical options are always discussed together.
What recovery looks like
Most patients walk the same day and go home within hours. Light activity within 1–2 weeks. Most return to office work within 2 weeks and physical work within 4–6 weeks.
About microdiscectomy.
- Candidacy depends on your specific diagnosis, imaging, prior treatments, overall health, and goals. Dr. Yasmeh evaluates each patient individually and only recommends a procedure when it's a clear fit.
- Most patients walk the same day and go home within hours. Light activity within 1–2 weeks. Most return to office work within 2 weeks and physical work within 4–6 weeks. Dr. Yasmeh and his team coordinate your post-operative therapy, follow-up imaging, and return-to-activity plan.
- Dr. Yasmeh consults at all four offices (East LA, Glendale, Santa Fe Springs, Tarzana) and performs surgery at affiliated hospitals and surgery centers. The surgical location is chosen based on procedure, your insurance, and convenience.
- Absolutely. Dr. Yasmeh welcomes second opinions and routinely reviews outside imaging and records before any surgical decision.
When Dr. Yasmeh recommends this procedure
Lumbar Disc Herniation
Read about this condition and when this procedure is the right answer.
Read moreCervical Disc Herniation
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Read moreLumbar Radiculopathy
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Read moreCervical Radiculopathy
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Read moreFind out if microdiscectomy is right for you.
Same-week consultations. Four Greater LA offices. Most insurance accepted.