You’ll be taken to the operating theatre and made comfortable.
Your anaesthetist will insert a cannula into a vein to administer anaesthetic, fluid and other drugs. You may also have a urinary catheter in case you temporarily lose control of your bladder. You’ll be positioned face down for your surgery.
After the anaesthetic takes effect, your surgeon makes an incision in the back of your neck (for cervical microdiscectomy) or your back (for lumbar microdiscectomy).
What happens next depends on the type of microdiscectomy you’re having. Learn more about types of microdiscectomy surgery.
Following surgery, your surgeon closes the incision/s using staples or stitches and applies a bandage.
Your surgery will take 1–2 hours, depending on how complex it is.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.