Microdiscectomy (Herniated Disc Surgery)
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive operation that removes the herniated portion of a spinal disc pressing on a nerve root, usually in the lower back. It is highly effective at relieving sciatica — radiating leg pain, numbness or weakness — and typically allows a short hospital stay and a relatively quick return to daily activity.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Microdiscectomy treats a herniated (slipped) disc by removing only the protruding fragment that is compressing a spinal nerve root — most often in the lumbar (lower) spine — through a small incision using an operating microscope or a tubular retractor. Because the surgeon removes just the offending fragment and leaves most of the disc and surrounding structures intact, it is targeted and tissue-sparing. This differs from a decompression or laminectomy, which removes bone and ligament to widen a narrowed spinal canal (spinal stenosis); microdiscectomy is aimed specifically at the disc material pinching the nerve and is generally most effective for relieving leg pain rather than back pain.
At Florence Healthcare International in Istanbul, a dedicated international patient coordinator guides you from the first enquiry. Our spine team can review your MRI and clinical history remotely before you travel, so you understand whether microdiscectomy is appropriate and what to expect. You receive a transparent, itemized cost estimate covering the surgeon, anesthesia, hospital stay and standard follow-up, personalized to your case, before any commitment is made.
Who is a candidate?
- Confirmed disc herniation on MRI that matches your symptoms (typically one-sided leg pain following a nerve's path)
- Persistent or severe sciatica — leg pain, numbness or tingling — that has not improved after several weeks of conservative care
- Significant or progressing muscle weakness in the leg or foot
- Leg pain that is more disabling than back pain, since microdiscectomy chiefly targets nerve-related leg symptoms
- Conservative measures such as activity modification, physiotherapy, medication or injections have been tried without adequate relief
- Urgent evaluation is needed for red-flag symptoms such as loss of bladder or bowel control, which require immediate assessment
What happens
- 1
Assessment & imaging
Your spine surgeon reviews your MRI, symptoms and history — when possible remotely before travel — to confirm that a specific disc herniation explains your nerve symptoms and that surgery is the right step. A clear plan and itemized estimate are shared in advance.
- 2
The operation
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision over the affected level and, using an operating microscope or tubular retractor, gently moves the nerve aside and removes only the herniated fragment pressing on it. The procedure usually takes around one to two hours.
- 3
Early recovery
Most patients are encouraged to stand and walk within hours of surgery. Pain is managed with medication, and the care team gives guidance on safe movement. The typical hospital stay is a single night, though some cases are same-day and others stay one to two nights.
- 4
Recovery & follow-up
Leg pain often eases quickly, sometimes immediately, while the small wound heals over the following weeks. You receive instructions on activity, lifting limits and physiotherapy, plus a follow-up plan and remote contact with the team once you return home.
Benefits
- Targeted relief of nerve compression, with leg pain (sciatica) frequently improving soon after surgery
- Minimally invasive approach through a small incision, sparing most of the disc and surrounding tissue
- Short hospital stay and comparatively quick return to everyday activities
- Performed in a JCI-accredited hospital with experienced spine surgeons and modern microsurgical equipment
- Coordinated international care, including remote MRI review and a transparent itemized estimate before you travel
Risks & considerations
- As with any surgery, there are general risks including infection, bleeding and reaction to anesthesia
- The disc can herniate again at the same level in a minority of patients, sometimes requiring further treatment
- Numbness, weakness or back pain may persist or, rarely, worsen if the nerve was already significantly affected
- Small risk of a dural (spinal fluid) leak, which is usually managed at the time of surgery
- Surgery mainly addresses leg pain; pre-existing back pain may not fully resolve
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Spine Center & Orthopedics Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Microdiscectomy (Herniated Disc Surgery) — frequently asked questions
Microdiscectomy removes only the herniated disc fragment that is pressing on a nerve root, and is mainly used for sciatica from a slipped disc. A laminectomy or decompression instead removes bone and ligament to widen a narrowed spinal canal, which is typically done for spinal stenosis. Your surgeon recommends the approach that matches what your MRI and symptoms show.
Many patients notice a marked reduction in leg pain very soon after surgery, sometimes immediately, because the pressure on the nerve is relieved. Light activity and walking usually begin within days, and many people return to office-type work in about two to four weeks, with heavier activity resumed gradually as advised. Numbness or weakness can take longer to settle, and recovery varies from person to person.
Yes. In a minority of patients the same disc can herniate again, since most of the disc is intentionally left in place. If this happens, it can often be treated with further conservative care or, in some cases, repeat surgery. Following your surgeon's guidance on lifting, posture and core strengthening helps reduce the risk.
The hospital stay is usually a single night, though some cases are same-day and others require one to two nights. Cost depends on your specific case, so we provide a transparent, itemized estimate covering the surgeon, anesthesia, hospital stay and standard follow-up after reviewing your records — we never quote a fixed price before understanding your situation.
Yes. You can share your MRI images and reports with our international patient team, and our spine surgeons will review them along with your symptom history before you travel. This remote review helps confirm whether microdiscectomy is appropriate, what results to expect and what the plan and estimate will be, so you can make an informed decision from home.
Related treatments
Considering microdiscectomy (herniated disc surgery)?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.