A variation called percutaneous automated discectomy uses a motorized probe that cuts off bits of disc material, but it does not appear to offer additional benefits. Other endoscopic procedures are also under investigation. Lasers have been investigated for use with discectomy, but results to date are unimpressive. One study reported that the operation in children and young adults can increase the risk for spinal deformity. Laminectomy requires general anesthesia and a two or three day hospital stay.
Recuperation takes up to six weeks.
Although it often brings immediate relief from pain, there are small risks to the operation and it is not always successful. Some recurrence of back pain and sciatica occurs in half to two-thirds of postoperative patients. In cases where abnormal positioning or vertebrae movement puts pressure on the nerves, such as spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis, surgeons may fuse vertebrae together. Fusion employs a bone graft or some other device to join the vertebrae together. One medical device called the BAK Interbody Fusion System uses a tiny hollow metal cage, which is implanted into the disc space.