discectomy

  I recently underwent an MRI.  I have a larger herniation at L4-5.  I'm in P.T. right now and am probably a surgical candidate.I have significant sciatic pain, especially at night.  I'm sleeping about 4 hrs/night.  what can be expected w/ surgery?  Are there laser surgeries/less invasive surgeries available.  Thanks for your help.
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Dear Julie,
On the scale of things, surgery for a herniated disc is relatively minor and carries a low risk of complications.  Most patients are very happy they had the surgery as their pain is often better immediately after surgery.  Many patients are able to go home the very same day.
There are less invasive options to traditional open microdiscectomy, but the incision for a single disc in the lumbar spine is small and the surgeon has the benefit of seeing the anatomy.  
Speak to your surgeon about your options and his particular practice with herniated lumbar discs.  We have found that the open procedure is very well tolerated and carries a high rate of success.
Good luck.