1. A Patient’s Guide to
Lumbar Microdiscectomy: Disc Herniation
25 Thurber Boulevard, Unit 6
Smithfield, RI 02917
Tel: (401) 404-2975
Fax: (401) 404-2976
www.bsnidoctors.com

2. Introduction Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lumbar disc herniation? How long will my surgery last? 1 to 1.5
A disc herniation occurs when hours.
a portion of the cushion that
How much of the disc is removed?
sits between two bones in your
Approximately 5-10% of the disc will be
spine has moved and is
removed.
irritating a nerve.
Can this happen again? Yes. In
Why does it cause leg pain? approximately 5-8% of cases, more of the disc
Since your nerves run from can re-herniate and may require additional
your back to your leg, any treatment.
pressure on the nerve in your
back can cause leg pain, also How long will I be in the hospital? This is typically a same-day surgery;
known as sciatica. no overnight stay will be needed for most patients.
What are my options? Does this surgery use “laser” techniques? A laser is not typically utilized.
The four standard options to However, we do utilize a microscope for all of these surgeries.
consider include medication, When can I drive?* Short drives are fine after 24 hours; longer drives are
physical therapy, epidural
acceptable after 7 days, provided you feel comfortable while sitting.
steroid injections, and surgery.
When can I go back to work? This will depend on the individual and the
How do I choose? type of work being performed.
Surgery is often advised for Light/sedentary work (lifting <25 lbs.) 2-3 weeks
those patients who present Medium work (lifting up to 50 lbs.) 4-6 weeks
with concerning weakness or Strenuous work (lifting >50 lbs.) 2-3 months maximum
other neurological symptoms,
or have exhausted all other How active can I be? Activity is encouraged, especially walking. You may
options. begin to exercise as early as one to two weeks in the post-operative
period. Avoid activities with twisting and/or bending.
*Narcotic usage while driving is not recommended

3. The Procedure
Surgery for lumbar microdiscectomy is performed with the patient lying Under the microscope, the surgeon then removes the ruptured portion of
face down and a small incision is made in the lower back. While using a the disc and any disc fragments which have broken off from the main disc
microscope, the compressed nerve is identified after removing a small and are compressing the spinal nerve roots.
portion of the lamina (the bone covering the spinal cord).
The incision is then closed using dissolvable suture material, and the
patient is often sent home the same day.
This image shows an axial (bird’s eye) view of a vertebra where the
surgeon has removed a small portion of the bone to expose the pinched
.
nerve.

4. What to Expect After Surgery MEDICATIONS LIST
Pain at incision site: You may experience incisional pain for approximately The following medications contain aspirin or anti-inflammatory agents,
5-7 days. Icing the incision along with anti-inflammatory and narcotic which increase the risk of bleeding during surgery or injections.
medications can be helpful.
These medications and supplements should NOT be taken up to 10 days
Increased leg pain: This is due to inflammation/swelling of the nerve prior to an injection or to surgery.
roots 2-3 days following surgery. It will gradually improve and slowly
subside over the following week. In severe cases, oral steroids are used. Should you need pain relief medication, Tylenol is acceptable. You may
Hoarse throat/throat discomfort: This is due to the breathing tube discuss other medication options with your physician or nurse if necessary.
placement during the surgery. This will gradually improve with time.
Please note that this is not an inclusive list. If you have any concerns about
your current medications, please consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
You should call the office if you develop any neurologic
findings that were not present at the time of your hospital
Advil Duradyne Nabumeton
discharge. Examples include: AGGRASTAT Ecotrin Naprosyn
 Sudden or slow onset of weakness in the lower extremities AGGRENOX EFFIENT Naproxen
Aleve Enbrel NSAIDS
 Loss of control over your bowel/bladder
Alka-seltzer Equagesic Norgesic
 Elevated temperature (greater than 101 degrees) Anacin Etodolac Oxaprozin
 Excessive redness/swelling of the incision Anaprox Excedrin Piroxicam
 Drainage/oozing from the incision site Ansaid Feldene PLAVIX
ASPIRIN Fiorinal PLETAL
How do I get refills of my prescription? Call our prescription hotline Bufferin 4 Way Cold Tabs PRADAXA
during business hours (9am–4pm) at (401) 404-2975 x152. Cataflex Garlic Tablets Relafen
Celebrex Ginko Bilboa Reopro
When will my sutures be removed? Sutures under the skin will dissolve Cephalgesics Ginseng Robaxisal
on their own. Clinoril Ibuprofen Ticlid
CLOPIDOGREL- Indomethacin Trental
When will I start physical therapy? This will be discussed at your first BISULFATE Indocin Vanquish
post-operative appointment. Coricidin Integrilin Vitamin E
When can I shower? Two days after surgery with the original waterproof COUMADIN Ketoprofen Voltaren
dressing. You must replace the dressing after every shower with a clean, Daypro Lodine WARFARIN
Diclofenac Meloxicam
dry dressing.
Diflunisal Midol Any herbal supplements or
What about taking anti-inflammatory medications after surgery? Anti- Doan’s Mobic non-FDA approved drugs
inflammatory medications may be taken (if needed) AFTER your surgical Dristan Motrin
procedure.
*If you are taking any of the medication HIGHLIGHTED, you MUST
consult your physician prior to discontinuing your prescription*