Lumbar Disc Microsurgery. Licensed patient-education animation, ViewMedica.
Who this treats
How it's performed
- 01
Access
A tubular retractor is placed through a small incision, spreading the muscle apart without cutting it.
- 02
Discectomy
Herniated disc material pressing on the nerve is removed under microscopic or endoscopic visualization.
- 03
Laminectomy
A small portion of bone is removed where needed to relieve spinal canal narrowing.
- 04
Closure
The retractor is removed and the small incision is closed; same-day discharge is common.
Minimally invasive lumbar microdecompression. The bone-removal half of the operation, through the same tube. Licensed patient-education animation, ViewMedica.
Stenosis decompression
Illustration to come: before/after cross-section of the lumbar canal showing stenosis decompression.
Technology used
Ultrasonic bone scalpel
Precise bone removal during laminectomy while sparing nearby nerve tissue.
O-Arm CT navigation
Confirms level and trajectory for complex or revision cases.
Recovery & expectations
- Setting
- Outpatient / same day
- Light activity
- 2–3 weeks
- Full recovery
- 4–6 weeks
Individual recovery varies by procedure complexity, overall health, and adherence to post-operative guidance. Discuss your specific timeline during consultation.
Before and after
Before
After
Before
AfterMicrodiscectomy for a lumbar disc herniation. MRI before surgery, and after.
From Dr. Zaidi’s own patients, shown with their written permission and with identifying details removed.
What discectomy and laminectomy patients say
Dr. Zaidi performed my microdiscectomy on my far lateral herniation. He is very skilled and was so kind before, during, and after my surgery. Three months post op and I am back to my old self.Tiffany B. · Google review
I had the lower back microdiscectomy surgery. After so much pain I had because of herniated disc leading to sciatica in my leg, he did a magic. Thank you doctor.Aizirek Z. · Google review
I put my trust in him and he did not let me down. He did a great job of laminectomy and now I can walk.Mark K. · Google review
Verbatim from public Google reviews, shown with first name and last initial. Each review describes one patient's experience and does not guarantee any outcome. More patient reviews →