Dr. Alok Gadkari

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Lumbar Microdiscectomy

Lumbar Microdiscectomy in Nagpur

Advanced Minimally Invasive Slip Disc Surgery by Dr. Alok Gadkari

If you are suffering from severe lower back pain, leg pain, or sciatica due to a slipped disc, Lumbar Microdiscectomy may be the most effective surgical solution. Dr. Alok Gadkari, a leading spine specialist, offers advanced minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy in Nagpur with high success rates and faster recovery.
Lumbar microdiscectomy is one of the most commonly performed spine surgeries worldwide for treating lumbar disc herniation (slip disc) that compresses spinal nerves. The procedure provides rapid pain relief, minimal tissue damage, and early return to normal life.
Lumbar Microdiscectomy

What is Lumbar Microdiscectomy?

Lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery performed to remove the portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve root in the lower spine.

The surgery is performed using:

  • Small incision (2–3 cm)

  • Microscope or surgical loupes

  • Minimal muscle dissection

  • Precision instruments

The goal is simple:
Relieve nerve compression and eliminate leg pain (sciatica).

Unlike traditional open surgery, microdiscectomy preserves surrounding muscles and spinal structures, leading to:

  • Less pain

  • Smaller scar

  • Faster healing

  • Short hospital stay

What is a Lumbar Disc Herniation?

Between each vertebra lies a soft cushion called a disc. It has:

  • A soft inner core (nucleus pulposus)

  • A tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus)

When the outer layer tears, the inner material bulges out and presses on nearby nerves. This is called:

  • Slipped disc

  • Herniated disc

  • Prolapsed disc

  • Disc bulge

When this occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine), it commonly causes:

  • Severe leg pain (sciatica)

  • Numbness in leg or foot

  • Tingling sensation

  • Weakness in leg muscles

  • Difficulty walking or standing

If conservative treatment fails, lumbar microdiscectomy becomes the gold standard treatment.

Symptoms That May Require Lumbar Microdiscectomy

You may be a candidate for surgery if you experience:

  • Persistent sciatica lasting more than 6 weeks

  • Severe leg pain not improving with medicines

  • Progressive leg weakness

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control (emergency)

  • Difficulty walking due to nerve pain

  • MRI showing nerve compression

Dr. Alok Gadkari performs detailed clinical evaluation and MRI analysis before recommending surgery.

When is Lumbar Microdiscectomy Recommended?

Most slip discs improve with:

  • Rest

  • Physiotherapy

  • Pain medications

  • Epidural injections

However, surgery is recommended when:

  • Pain persists despite 6–8 weeks of treatment

  • Pain is unbearable and affecting quality of life

  • There is nerve weakness

  • Patient cannot perform daily activities

  • There is risk of permanent nerve damage

Early surgical intervention in appropriate cases provides better outcomes.

How Lumbar Microdiscectomy is Performed

Step-by-Step Procedure

  1. Anesthesia
    Surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

  2. Small Incision
    A 2–3 cm incision is made over the affected spinal level.

  3. Muscle Retraction
    Muscles are gently separated, not cut.

  4. Microscopic Visualization
    A surgical microscope provides magnified, clear vision.

  5. Removal of Disc Fragment
    The herniated disc portion compressing the nerve is removed.

  6. Nerve Decompression
    The nerve root is freed from pressure.

  7. Closure
    The incision is closed with minimal stitches.

Total surgery time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Most patients walk within 6–8 hours.

Benefits of Lumbar Microdiscectomy

Choosing microdiscectomy with Dr. Alok Gadkari offers several advantages:

✔ Immediate relief from leg pain
✔ Small incision
✔ Minimal blood loss
✔ Less muscle damage
✔ Short hospital stay (1–2 days)
✔ Faster recovery
✔ Early return to work
✔ High success rate (90–95%)

Leg pain improves faster than back pain, as the compressed nerve gets instant relief.

Recovery After Lumbar Microdiscectomy

Immediately After Surgery

  • Walking begins same day

  • Mild discomfort around incision

  • Leg pain usually improves immediately

First 2 Weeks

  • Light activities allowed

  • Avoid bending and lifting

  • Regular wound care

4–6 Weeks

  • Gradual return to routine work

  • Start guided physiotherapy

  • Strengthening exercises

3 Months

  • Resume normal lifestyle

  • Full recovery in most patients

Proper rehabilitation ensures long-term success and prevents recurrence.

Success Rate of Lumbar Microdiscectomy

Lumbar microdiscectomy has one of the highest success rates in spine surgery.

Clinical studies show:

  • 90–95% relief from leg pain

  • Significant improvement in mobility

  • High patient satisfaction

  • Low complication rate

Early surgery in selected cases improves outcomes significantly.

Lumbar Microdiscectomy vs Open Discectomy

FeatureMicrodiscectomyOpen Surgery
IncisionSmallLarger
Muscle DamageMinimalMore
RecoveryFasterSlower
PainLessMore
Hospital StayShortLonger

Who is the Ideal Candidate?

You are a good candidate if:

  • MRI confirms disc herniation

  • Leg pain is severe

  • Conservative treatment failed

  • There is nerve weakness

  • Quality of life is affected

Dr. Alok Gadkari performs thorough evaluation before advising surgery.

Long-Term Care After Microdiscectomy

To prevent future disc problems:

  • Maintain healthy weight

  • Practice core strengthening exercises

  • Avoid prolonged sitting

  • Maintain correct posture

  • Avoid heavy lifting initially

  • Follow physiotherapy plan

Spine care is lifelong care.

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