Lumbar Spine Disc Surgery in London

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When a herniated disc causes severe nerve pain that radiates down your leg or arm, spine disc surgery in London can provide rapid relief by removing the portion of disc material pressing on the nerve.

Dr Purnajyoti Banerjee specialises in surgical removal of disc material pressing on a spinal nerve using modern minimally invasive techniques that promote faster recovery.

What Is Spinal Disc Surgery?

Slipped disc surgery is used to treat disc herniation or disc prolapse where the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and compresses a nearby nerve root. This compression causes leg or arm pain caused by nerve compression, often described as shooting, burning, or electric-shock sensations.

The most common procedure is microdiscectomy as a minimally invasive disc procedure, which uses a small incision and microscopic visualisation to precisely remove only the problematic disc fragment whilst preserving healthy tissue.

When Is Disc Herniation Surgery Recommended?

Spine disc surgery in London is considered when severe symptoms persist despite conservative treatment. Most herniated discs improve with physiotherapy, medication, and time—surgery is reserved for cases where non-surgical approaches have failed.

Ideal Candidates For Surgery

Surgery for sciatica caused by disc prolapse is recommended when nerve compression leads to persistent pain and functional limitation.

Ongoing leg pain despite weeks of treatment

Progressive numbness or weakness

Difficulty walking or performing daily tasks

Severe pain affecting sleep and mobility

Recurrent disc prolapse episodes

Common Conditions Treated

Lumbar Disc Herniation and Sciatica

Lumbar disc herniation occurs when a slipped disc compresses a nerve root, causing radiating leg pain and weakness. Surgery removes the fragment, causing compression to relieve sciatica.

Sciatica caused by slipped disc

Radiating leg pain from nerve compression

Cervical Disc Herniation

A cervical disc herniation can compress nerves supplying the arm and shoulder. Surgery relieves pressure on the nerve while preserving spinal stability.

Neck and arm pain from nerve compression

Persistent numbness or weakness

Microdiscectomy Procedure- An Overview

Aspect	Details
Incision	2-3cm over the affected level
Duration	45-90 minutes typically
Technique	A microscope or an endoscope is used
Hospital stay	Same day or overnight

The Recovery Process

Day 1: Walking within hours; leg pain typically much improved; discharge same day or next morning
Week 1-2: Gentle walking encouraged; avoid prolonged sitting, bending, or lifting over 2-3kg
Week 2-4: Gradual return to light work and driving; most daily activities resumed

Week 4-6: Increased activity levels; post-operative rehabilitation to restore movement and strength begins
Week 6-12: Return to physical work and exercise; full recovery for most patients

Benefits of Private Spinal Disc Surgery

Consultation and MRI review within days

Surgery is scheduled promptly when appropriate

Personalised care in a specialist unit

And comprehensive rehabilitation support

When Is Surgery the Right Choice

Not every herniated disc requires surgery—many resolve with conservative care. However, when nerve compression causes severe pain, weakness, or functional limitation despite adequate non-surgical treatment, surgery offers a proven path to recovery. Dr Purnajyoti Banerjee, with years of experience in spinal disc surgery in London, conducts a thorough assessment, including clinical examination and MRI review, to ensure that surgery is appropriate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does leg pain improve after microdiscectomy surgery?

Most patients experience significant relief of leg pain within days or immediately; numbness may take several weeks to months to resolve.

What is the risk of disc herniation recurring after slipped disc surgery?

Recurrence occurs in 5-10% of patients, typically within the first year; maintaining core strength and proper lifting technique reduces risk.

Can patients drive after disc herniation surgery?

Driving resumes when patients are off strong pain medication and can comfortably perform emergency stops, typically 1-2 weeks post-operatively.Spine Disc Surgery in London