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Microdiscectomy · Louisville, KY
Herniated disc surgery Louisville — most patients walk the same day.
A herniated lumbar disc pressing on a nerve causes the shooting leg pain, numbness, and weakness known as sciatica. When physical therapy and injections haven't provided lasting relief, microdiscectomy is one of the most successful procedures in spine surgery — and at miiSpine, it's performed as an outpatient procedure. Common symptoms of a herniated disc:Shooting leg pain
Sciatica
Foot numbness
Leg weakness
Low back pain
Pain with sitting
Procedure Overview
See how microdiscectomy works.
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The Procedure
Precise removal. Fast relief.
Microdiscectomy is performed through a small incision in the back. Using magnification, Dr. Vemuri removes the specific fragment of disc material pressing on the nerve root — leaving the rest of the disc intact.
The surgery takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Most patients notice significant relief from leg pain immediately after surgery as the nerve decompression takes effect.
At miiSpine, microdiscectomy is performed as an outpatient procedure. You arrive in the morning, have your surgery, spend a few hours in recovery, and go home the same day.
Recovery Timeline
Back to your life — faster than you think.
Day 1
Home same dayMost patients walk before leaving the surgery center and go home the same day. Mild soreness at the incision site is normal.
Week 1-2
Light activity resumesShort walks, light household activity. Most patients can return to desk work and driving typically resumes by week 2.
Week 4-6
Return to physical workPhysical labor, lifting, and more demanding activity typically resumes depending on job demands and individual recovery.
Month 3
Full recoveryMost patients are fully recovered and back to all activities including sports and exercise by 3 months.
Dr. Venu Vemuri, DO
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon · Founder, miiSpine
Microdiscectomy is one of the most common procedures Dr. Vemuri performs at miiSpine. His fellowship training at Norton Leatherman Spine Center included extensive experience with minimally invasive disc surgery. He has performed hundreds of these procedures with excellent outcomes.
Fellowship-Trained, Norton Leatherman Spine Center
Board-Certified, American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Hundreds of Microdiscectomy Procedures Performed
400+ Spine Surgeries Performed
300+ Five-Star Google Reviews
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about herniated disc surgery.
What is a microdiscectomy?Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery in which a small portion of the herniated disc pressing on a nerve root is removed through a small incision in the back. The surgery relieves nerve pressure and typically resolves leg pain quickly.
How do I know if I need surgery for a herniated disc?Surgery is typically considered after 6-12 weeks of conservative treatment (physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, epidural injections) have failed to provide adequate relief, or sooner if significant weakness is present.
How long is recovery from microdiscectomy?Most patients walk the day of surgery. Return to light activity occurs within 1-2 weeks. Return to physical labor at 4-6 weeks, depending on the job.
What is the success rate of microdiscectomy?Microdiscectomy has among the highest success rates in spine surgery for appropriately selected patients — most studies report 85-95% patient satisfaction for leg pain relief.
Can a herniated disc come back after surgery?Recurrent disc herniation occurs in approximately 5-10% of cases. Dr. Vemuri will discuss your individual risk factors at consultation.
Is microdiscectomy outpatient surgery?Yes. At miiSpine, microdiscectomy is performed as an outpatient procedure. You go home the same day as your surgery.
Leg pain keeping you from living?
Call miiSpine to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vemuri. Most patients are seen within days and go home the same day as surgery.
6420 Dutchmans Pkwy, Suite 160, Louisville, KY 40205 · miispine.com