Microdiscectomy in Sharjah

What is microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy is a targeted spinal operation that takes out only the fragment of disc that has escaped and is squeezing a nerve root. The prefix "micro" refers to the magnified view the surgeon works with, which allows a short incision and a small opening between the vertebrae rather than a wide exposure of the spine.

A detail most patients find surprising: the surgeon removes the loose fragment and leaves the rest of the disc in place. The remaining disc keeps cushioning the vertebrae, so the spine keeps its normal structure and movement, and the operation relieves pressure on the nerve without changing how the back is built.

At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, microdiscectomy is performed by the consultant neurosurgeon. It is one of the options described on the lumbar disc surgery page, and this page follows the operation itself from preparation to recovery.

Who needs it

Microdiscectomy suits people whose main complaint is leg pain, numbness or weakness from one nerve root trapped by one disc fragment, where the MRI and the examination point to the same nerve. The usual path starts with non-surgical care for a slipped disc, covered on the disc herniation treatment page; many herniations shrink on their own as the body reabsorbs the escaped material.

The alternatives are continuing that non-surgical care, a guided injection around the nerve, or a larger operation when the canal is narrowed or the spine moves abnormally. The decision rests on how severe and persistent the leg pain is, whether weakness is progressing, how well the scan matches your symptoms, and what you need to get back to. The surgeon talks this through with you, and the choice of timing is yours unless nerve function is at risk.

What happens

Microdiscectomy is done under general anaesthesia, so you are asleep throughout. You lie face down on a padded support, and an X-ray taken at the start confirms the correct disc level before the surgeon begins.

Through a short incision in the lower back, the surgeon moves the muscle gently to one side, opens a small window in the ligament and edge of bone over the nerve, and uses magnification to see the nerve root clearly. The nerve is eased aside and protected while the fragment beneath it is lifted out. Once the nerve lies free, the wound is closed with dissolving stitches or skin glue and a small dressing.

Walking is part of the treatment. Nurses help you stand and take your first steps once the anaesthetic has worn off, and you go home when you are walking safely, passing urine normally and your pain is controlled with tablets.

Preparing for it

A pre-operative assessment, blood tests and an anaesthetic review confirm you are ready. The team checks that your MRI still reflects the disc as it is now, because a fragment can shrink between the scan and the operation date. Bring a full list of your medicines; blood thinners, diabetes medicines and anti-inflammatory tablets each need a plan, and you receive clear fasting instructions for the day.

Stopping smoking helps the wound heal. Arrange a lift home and help with shopping and housework for the first days. If you plan surgery around Ramadan, raise it early so the timing of fasting, medicines and fluids can be agreed together.

Afterwards

Leg pain often eases early, while numbness and tingling usually recover more gradually as the nerve settles. Keep walking little and often; short walks several times a day help recovery more than long spells in bed or in a chair.

Keep the dressing clean and dry and follow the wound advice you are given. In the Sharjah heat, drink plenty of water and avoid sweating into the dressing. For sitting, the surgeon usually advises short spells with regular breaks to stand and walk. Your surgeon gives you a personal timeline for driving, long-haul flights and return to work, planned around your job: desk work, driving for a living and manual work with heavy lifting each follow a different plan. Early on, lift only light items held close to your body and bend at the knees and hips. A structured post-operative spine rehabilitation programme is arranged through your care pathway to rebuild core strength and safe lifting habits.

Contact the hospital urgently if the wound leaks, reddens or swells, especially with a fever, or if clear fluid leaks from the wound with a headache that worsens on standing. **Go to the emergency department straight away if you develop new weakness in a leg, numbness around the buttocks, genitals or inner thighs, or any change in bladder or bowel control.**

Cost and insurance

Most UAE insurance plans cover microdiscectomy when it is medically needed, and it almost always requires pre-approval, supported by the MRI report and a record of the non-surgical treatment already tried. The MRI itself often needs approval first too. Some plans set their own limit on post-operative rehabilitation sessions. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm your cover and start the approval early on 06 599 7777.