The discectomy is an operation that allows material of the intervertebral disc of the spinal column (the lower part of the back) to be extracted which is responsible for oppressing the nerve root or the spinal cord. The most usual kind of herniated disc is the appearance of a stabbing pain in the lumbar region that radiates towards the back of the leg (sciatic pain). In some cases, through a minimum incision in the back, the fragment compressing the nerve can be extirpated (microdiscectomy) with an immediate alleviation of pain. 

The surgery lasts between one and two hours.