Microdiscectomy surgery involves removing a small part of the bone over the nerve root or disk material from under the nerve root, to relieve pain typically leg pain because of a herniated disk in the lower back and thus provide more room for the nerve to heal.

Symptoms of a herniated disk include:

• Changes in bowel and bladder function - Although rare, a large disk herniation that pushes straight back into the spinal canal can put pressure on the nerves that go to the bowels and bladder.
• Nerve pain - It can be felt on the upper thigh, in the calf, or in the foot and toes.
• "Pins and needles" sensation, and numbness in one or both legs
• Weakness in one or both legs that makes it difficult to walk