"The definition of percutaneous means "through the skin" or using a very small incision. Discectomy is the surgical removal of herniated disc material that presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord. This procedure is usually done in a surgery center with the patient receiving local or general anesthesia.

There are several percutaneous procedures, yet all of them involve inserting small instruments between the vertebrae and into the middle of the disc. During this surgery, x-ray images are used to guide the movement of the surgical instruments. The surgeon removes disc tissue by cutting it out, sucking out the center of the disc, or by using lasers to burn or evaporate the disc. The disc material that has herniated is not directly removed in these operations.

Your doctor will confirm that a herniated disc is causing your symptoms by the interpretation of an MRI or CT Scan.

You can expect to go home on the same day you have a routine percutaneous discectomy. During your recovery period, you may use prescription medicine for pain control. You should avoid long periods of sitting, as well as bending, twisting, and lifting for several weeks after your surgery."

Source:  WebMD.com - ©WebMD, LLC