Discectomy is the removal of the nucleus pulposus that slipped out of the degenerated intervertebral disc and led to irreversible pressure on the nerve root. Nerve root decompression enables the restoration of muscle functions supplied by the compressed nervous structure (lifting of paresis). The endoscopic procedure is characterized by low invasiveness - it requires making one or two small holes (approx. 5 mm) on the back through which surgical instruments and a camera are inserted. There is no need to cut the muscles or bone elements of the spine. As a result, the patient's convalescence period is shorter compared to an open surgery.

The indications for surgical treatment are irreversible pressure of the nucleus pulposus on the nerve root. An urgent indication is the occurrence of complications in the form of limb paresis or dysfunction of the sphincters (urinary incontinence). Surgical treatment is also undertaken in the case of no effects of rehabilitation, anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatment, when pain and / or sensory disturbances persist and negatively affect the patient's quality of life.

The discectomy procedure is most often performed under local anesthesia, i.e. local deprivation of sensory stimuli. In most cases, general anesthesia is not necessary.