Spinal microdiscectomy

A spinal discectomy is the removal of a small amount of bone and disc that together are compressing a nerve root in your lower back. It is performed in order to relieve pain or weakness caused when a nerve is squashed in the spine. 

Our world class spinal surgeons regularly perform the procedure using open or minimally invasive surgery at Cromwell Hospital. 

Who is suitable for a spinal discectomy?

Patients with degenerative disc disease with a disc protrusion or bulge resulting in sciatica may benefit from a spinal discectomy. Your lumbar disc may have slipped, herniated, or bulged out of position, putting pressure on your spinal nerves - this typically results in lower back pain and leg pain, often associated with tingling and numbness in your leg and on occasion weakness. 

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Contact our Self-Pay team

We offer a range of self-pay package options, including flexible Hospital Packages and all-inclusive Fixed Price Packages.

Request an appointment >

+44 (0)20 7244 4886

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What does a spinal discectomy involve?

During the procedure, the bulging disc region which is pressing on a nerve will be removed. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic taking around 90 minutes. 

A spinal discectomy involves a small opening at the base of your spine. This allows access, via removal of a small volume of bone, to the bulging disc and facilitating its removal and relief of pressure on the nerve. The wound is closed, and sutures are either dissolvable or removed at 10 days. 

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What can you do to prepare for a spinal discectomy?

Your consultant spinal surgeon will discuss with you a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.  

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What is the recovery period?

Your recovery may vary from one to four weeks depending on your condition, type of surgery performed and, your general health. Your surgeon will tailor your recovery plan to your needs. 

You may be able to go home on the same day if you are having minimally invasive surgery. For open surgery you are likely to have an overnight stay in hospital. 

After your surgery you will be encouraged to increase your physical activity level gradually and have physiotherapy review and support.

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Why choose Cromwell Hospital?

We have a team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons who have developed their skills and knowledge working in some of the leading NHS teaching hospitals in London.      

Our orthopaedic surgeons work as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), which includes orthopaedic nurses and physiotherapists. As a patient, this means that your case will be closely reviewed by a team of musculoskeletal experts who will design a treatment and recovery plan specifically tailored for you.   

A one-to-one joint replacement preadmission service is provided by physiotherapy, ensuring a tailored management plan to reduce hospital stay and improve recovery. We provide physiotherapy to patients seven days per week, following national best practice guidance.

If you get in touch with us, we can offer a consultation to assess your case the next day. We also offer a rapid route through to surgery, so you can be seen, cared for and recover in the fastest time possible. 

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Clear self-pay options

As well as working with all major insurance companies, we also welcome patients who wish to pay for themselves. 

Below is an outline of our self-pay hospital price package for this procedure.

Hospital price package

Treatment from £6,490
Includes:
  • Pre-admission tests
  • Private ensuite room (nights subject to package terms)
  • Theatre procedure
  • Meals, nursing care, and discharge medication

Consultant and other fees will apply.

When enquiring, please quote V2540.

Ready to take the first step?

Call our self-pay team on ‭+44 (0)20 7244 4886‬

Our orthopaedic surgeons

See all the orthopaedic surgeons available at Cromwell Hospital.

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Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via email or telephone.