Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy

Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy involves removing a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root, to relieve pain – typically leg pain due to a herniated disc in the lower back – and provide more room for the nerve to heal.

This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, with a one-inch incision in the middle lower back. Because the ligaments and muscles are simply moved aside during the procedure, a minimally invasive discectomy procedure causes minimal post-operative pain in most patients.

With supporting tissue intact, patients are generally able to resume normal activity very quickly.

A Patient's Story:

Scott Spitler, a pilot with a charter jet service, recently suffered his second episode of sciatica due to a herniated lumbar disc. The pain prevented him from flying and he could not rest at night.

An MRI scan demonstrated a lumbar disc herniation and the patient elected to proceed with surgery when other forms of treatment had not relieved the pain.

Arrow points toward disc hermination.

On June 29, Scott had an outpatient minimally invasive lumbar discectomy at University of Tennessee Medical Center . He was discharged later that day, and resumed flying on July 21.

“The pain relief is just short of miraculous. I was able to return to normal daily activities very soon after my operation.” – Scott Spetler