Upcoming procedure · In 21 days

Lumbar microdiscectomy

L5–S1, left · October 15, 2024

Dr. Jared D. Ament

Riverside Surgical Center · Suite 300

Arrival

5:30 AM

Procedure

7:30 AM

Duration

60–90 minutes

Anesthesia

General anesthesia

Same-day discharge (outpatient)

What the procedure does

A microdiscectomy removes the small portion of the herniated disc pressing on the S1 nerve root. The incision is roughly one inch and performed under microscope guidance. Most patients walk the same day and return home within 4–6 hours of arrival.

Day-of timeline

5:30 AMArrive at Riverside Surgical Center, Suite 300

5:45 AMPre-op intake, IV placement, anesthesia consult

7:00 AMBrief mindfulness session with care navigator

7:30 AMProcedure begins

~9:00 AMRecovery bay — first vitals and pain check

~11:30 AMStanding and short walk with PT

~1:00 PMDischarge home with caregiver

Pre-op checklist

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Recovery roadmap

Day 1–3: walking 5–10 minutes every 2 hours, ice 20 minutes per hour as needed
Week 1: most patients off opioids; acetaminophen + ice usually sufficient
Week 2: 30-minute walks, return to light desk work for most
Week 4: gradual return to driving and gentle exercise
Week 6: clearance for full activity at follow-up visit

Benefits

85–90% of patients report significant leg-pain relief within the first two weeks. Back pain typically improves more gradually over 6–12 weeks.

Risks

As with any spine surgery: small risks of infection (<1%), dural tear (1–3%), recurrent disc herniation (5–10%), and reaction to anesthesia. Dr. Ament will review these in your clearance visit.

Call us right away if you notice

New weakness in the leg or foot
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Fever above 101.5°F or wound drainage
Calf swelling, redness, or tenderness