Procedure · Lumbar spine
Microdiscectomy
Removes the portion of a herniated lumbar disc that is pressing on a nerve — a focused operation for leg-dominant nerve pain.
What it is
Microdiscectomy is a focused operation performed through a small incision with the aid of an operative microscope. Dr. Choi identifies the nerve affected by the herniation, gently retracts it, and removes only the disc fragment causing compression — leaving the rest of the disc and the surrounding stability intact.
It is designed around precision: treat the exact pain-generating target, limit disruption to nearby muscle and stabilizing structures, and preserve motion at the level.
When it may be considered
Microdiscectomy is generally aimed at relieving leg-dominant nerve pain or weakness from a lumbar disc herniation rather than treating every source of low-back pain. The decision considers symptom duration, examination findings, how well the imaging matches the symptoms, any weakness, prior treatment, and the expected natural course — many herniations improve without surgery.
What to discuss at consultation
- Goals: relieve the nerve pain or weakness caused by the herniation while preserving spinal motion.
- Alternatives: continued nonoperative care, injections, or — where the anatomy differs — other decompression options.
- Recovery: generally no brace; most patients mobilize the same day and return to light activity quickly, with a measured return to heavier demands.
- Risks: incomplete relief, re-herniation, and the individual risks of surgery — discussed plainly before any decision.
Initial consultation or second opinion?
Bring your imaging and your questions. Dr. Choi will review your diagnosis, walk through your options, and tell you plainly whether surgery is the right next step — and if not, what is.