If a course of nonsurgical treatments is not effective for relieving pain from a herniated disc, lumbar decompression surgery may be considered as an option. Often a microdiscectomy also known as microdecompression is used to treat nerve compression from a herniated disc.
Lumbar Decompression Surgery
The first type of spine surgery that became commonly performed as an outpatient procedure is the lumbar discectomy. This surgery is performed to remove the herniated portion of the lumbar disc. It has a high success rate, especially in relieving leg pain (or sciatica), caused by the herniated portion of the disc pressing against a nerve.
Decompression is a surgical procedure that is performed to alleviate pain caused by pinched nerves (neural impingement). During a lumbar decompression back surgery, a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root is removed to give the nerve root more space and provide a better healing environment.
There are two common types of spine surgery decompression procedures:
Microdiscectomy
A microdiscectomy (a microdecompression) is typically performed for pain from a lumbar herniated disc. The surgery is considered reliable for leg pain caused by the herniated disc; most commonly called sciatica by patients, and most commonly referred to by medical practitioners as a radiculopathy.
Lumbar Laminectomy
A lumbar laminectomy (open decompression) is typically performed for pain from lumbar spinal stenosis. The goal of the surgery is to allow more room for the nerve root, thus reducing pain and potentially any leg weakness or neurological symptoms, and restoring the patient’s ability to participate in everyday activities. 
Alternatives to Microdiscectomy and Laminectomy
While the above 2 procedures are considered the gold standard for surgical decompression of the spine, there are a few variations and alternatives available to decompress the spine. For example:
Corpectomy
The vertebral body can be removed through an anterior incision to decompress a canal. The surgery involves removing part of the vertebra in order to decompress, or relieve pressure on, the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves. This surgery is used most commonly in cervical surgery, although occasionally it is useful in the thoracic spine. It is almost never necessary for in the lumbar spine, except in cases of tumors or fractures.
Laminotomy
This surgery is essentially the same as a laminectomy, with the exception that a hole is made in the lamina (as opposed to removing the entire lamina).
Interspinous process spacer
A possible alternative to a laminectomy, the goal of the interspinous process spacer surgery is to relieve spinal stenosis symptoms with a less invasive surgery.
Dr. Kushwaha is a board certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Spine Surgery. To learn more about his procedures or to schedule an appointment please call, (713) 587-6263.