What’s the difference between a microdiscectomy and a sequestrectomy? I’ve never heard of either, but my surgeon has offered me one or the other to treat my herniated disc.

Both procedures are used to remove herniated disc material. In both operations, the surgeon uses a special microscope to guide the surgical instruments. With microdiscectomy, the herniated disc is removed along with the rest of the disc material. The surgeon uses a special tool to reach inside the disc space and pull the tissue out.

In the case of sequestrectomy, the surgeon does not enter the disc space at all. Only loose disc fragments in the intervertebral space are removed.

The short-term results of both procedures are similar. Patients have decreased pain and improved symptoms. However, by entering the disc space, discectomy may cause further damage to the disc. The result can be reherniation.

Studies are starting to show the superiority of sequestrectomy over discectomy. Over time, patients who have a sequestrectomy have better functional outcomes. Segmental deterioration occurs more often after discectomy.