Spine · Disc Surgery
Microdiscectomy & Endoscopic Spine Surgery in Faridabad
When a disc fragment will not let a nerve recover, the aim is to remove just that piece through the smallest safe opening.
जब स्लिप डिस्क से पैर में तेज़ दर्द या कमज़ोरी दवा और फिज़ियोथेरेपी से ठीक न हो, तब नस को दबाने वाला डिस्क का टुकड़ा माइक्रोस्कोप या एंडोस्कोप की मदद से छोटे चीरे से निकाला जा सकता है। कौन-सा तरीका उपयुक्त है, यह डिस्क की जगह और आपकी MRI पर निर्भर करता है।
Understanding Microdiscectomy & Endoscopy
When a slip disc keeps pressing on a nerve despite proper non-surgical care, the usual operation is a discectomy — removing only the fragment squeezing the nerve while leaving the rest of the disc to keep cushioning. Microdiscectomy does this through a small incision with an operating microscope, which gives a bright, magnified view. Used for decades, it suits a wide range of herniations, including large or migrated fragments.
Endoscopic discectomy uses a slim camera and instruments through a smaller port, entering from the side (transforaminal) or from the back (interlaminar) depending on where the fragment sits. Neither technique suits every case; the choice depends on the fragment's position, the level involved, your anatomy and the surgeon's judgement. Both aim for the same result: a freed nerve and early walking.
Common symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. Having one of these does not mean you have this condition.
Discectomy mainly helps nerve pain travelling down the leg, not back ache alone.
Severe sciatica persisting despite several weeks of medicines, physiotherapy and, where used, injections.
Difficulty lifting the foot or pushing off with the toes.
Repeated disabling episodes.
Loss of feeling matching the disc level on MRI.
Possible causes & risk factors
The commonest type, pressing on the nerve root just beside the centre of the canal.
Fragments in or beyond the nerve's exit hole, where a side (transforaminal) route can be useful.
A piece that has broken free and migrated; its position strongly influences the technique.
A new fragment from a previously operated disc, where scar tissue makes careful planning important.
When to seek help
Book a routine consultation
- You have been advised disc surgery and want to understand microscope versus endoscope options
- Sciatica has not improved after several weeks of proper treatment
- Pain has returned after earlier disc surgery
Seek emergency care
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the saddle area
- Sudden foot drop or rapidly spreading weakness
- Severe new pain with fever after recent spine surgery
- Seek care immediately at the nearest emergency department or call 112
How it is diagnosed
Shows exactly where the fragment lies — central, beside the nerve, in the foramen or migrated — which guides the approach.
Confirms the nerve root involved and records any weakness before surgery.
X-rays check for instability or a transitional vertebra; CT shows a calcified disc that may favour one technique.
Available treatment options
Treatment is chosen after examining you and studying your scans. Many people do well without an operation.
Medicines, physiotherapy and sometimes nerve root injections come first, unless there is significant weakness or bladder involvement. See when slipped disc surgery is necessary.
Through a small midline incision, bone and ligament are opened under the microscope and the fragment removed — widely applicable.
The endoscope passes through the natural gap between vertebrae from the back; suitable for many L5–S1 herniations.
The endoscope enters from the side through the nerve's exit hole; useful for foraminal fragments, less suited to some L5–S1 cases where the pelvic bone blocks the path.
A collapsed, unstable disc or repeated recurrences may need fusion such as MIS-TLIF — see minimally invasive spine surgery.
When neurosurgery may be recommended
- Disabling leg pain persisting despite an adequate non-surgical trial
- Significant or progressive weakness
- Cauda equina syndrome — emergency surgery
- A clear match between the MRI fragment and your symptoms
Procedure overview
A simplified outline. The exact steps depend on your scans and the approach chosen.
- Anaesthesia and level checkUsually general anaesthesia; live X-ray then confirms the exact disc level before the incision.
- AccessA small incision and tube (microdiscectomy) or a slim port (endoscopy) reaches the spinal canal.
- Fragment removalThe nerve is gently retracted and the loose fragment removed until the nerve lies free.
- Closure and walkingThe wound is closed with a few stitches or skin glue; many patients walk the same day, and day care discharge may be possible.
Potential benefits, risks & limitations
Potential benefits
- Often early relief of leg pain once the nerve is freed
- Small incision with limited muscle disturbance and a short hospital stay
- Most of the disc is preserved
Possible risks
- Recurrent disc herniation at the same level
- Dural tear with spinal fluid leak
- Infection, bleeding or nerve root injury
- Persistent back ache, or incomplete removal needing further surgery
Discectomy treats nerve compression, not disc ageing, so back ache from a worn disc may continue. The disc keeps a weak spot after surgery, and a new herniation can occur.
Recovery & follow-up
Walking begins early, often on the day of surgery, while long sitting, bending and lifting are limited for some weeks. Leg pain often eases first; numbness and weakness recover more slowly, sometimes incompletely.
Desk-based work may resume sooner than heavy jobs. A core and posture programme, started when your surgeon advises, may lower the chance of recurrence.
Why consult Dr. Naresh Panwar
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Day Care Spine Surgery are among his listed specialisations
- Fellowship in Neuroendoscopy, building on MCh (Neurosurgery) training
- Previous neurosurgery roles at Fortis Escorts Hospital, New Delhi, and Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad
- Head of Unit (II) – Neurosurgery at Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector 8
Questions to ask your surgeon
Write these down and bring them to your appointment.
- Where exactly is my disc fragment, and which approach suits it?
- Why microdiscectomy rather than endoscopy — or the reverse — in my case?
- What is my risk of re-herniation, and how can I lower it?
- Is day care discharge possible for me?
- When can I sit through office work or ride a two-wheeler?
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — microdiscectomy or endoscopic spine surgery?
Both remove the same fragment and are established techniques. Endoscopy uses a smaller port; microdiscectomy is very versatile, especially for large or migrated fragments. The right choice suits your MRI and anatomy.
Disc ka operation kitna safe hai?
Disc surgery is a commonly performed spine operation, but every surgery carries risks such as infection, dural tear, nerve injury and recurrence. Discuss them in relation to your own health before deciding.
Can the disc slip again after surgery?
Yes, recurrence at the same level occurs in a minority of patients. Avoiding heavy lifting early, regular core exercise, a healthy weight and not smoking may reduce the risk.
Will I need a lumbar belt after surgery?
Many patients do not need one for long; some surgeons advise a belt for comfort briefly. Your own surgeon will guide you.
I live in NIT Faridabad — how do I book an evaluation for disc surgery?
Call or WhatsApp +91 96608 88640 to arrange a consultation at Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector 8, and confirm consultation timings, or use the online appointment page. Bring your MRI films or CD, reports and medicine list.
Related care & reading
Appointments
Your brain and spine health deserve a carefully considered plan.
Request a consultation with Dr. Naresh Panwar at Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector 8, Faridabad. Bring your MRI or CT scans and reports, and the care team will help you prepare.