A discectomy is a procedure where a surgeon will remove disc material that is pressing on a nerve. Either in the spinal canal or in the foramen. Because of the pressure and the reduced space, a disc herniation can cause leg or arm pain. In a discectomy, the surgeon will only remove that extra disc material that’s causing the pressure. The entire disc is not typically removed. An analogy of a jelly donut, where the jelly has leaked out of the donut because the donut has been squeezed. Usually with a discectomy, only the part that has leaked out is removed. Everything else is typically left in place. A discectomy that is performed within the spinal canal can be performed while performing a laminotomy procedure. A discectomy that is performed in the foramen and can be performed while performing a foramenotomy. The same type of approach, just in a different part of the spine.
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