Herniated / Slipped Disc
By Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti, Neurosurgeon & Endoscopic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad.
A herniated or slipped disc can press on a spinal nerve and cause back and leg pain. Endoscopic keyhole surgery removes the bulging fragment through an 8 mm portal, sparing the muscles.
A herniated disc — often called a slipped or prolapsed disc — happens when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through its tough outer ring and presses on a nearby nerve. It is one of the most common causes of sciatica, back pain, and numbness or weakness in the leg.
Many herniated discs settle with time, medication and physiotherapy. Surgery is considered when leg pain is severe or persistent, when there is progressive weakness, or when an MRI confirms nerve compression that matches your symptoms. In those cases, monoportal endoscopic discectomy removes only the fragment pressing on the nerve through a single 8 mm keyhole — the back muscles are spared, so most patients walk the same day and go home within about 24 hours.
Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti is a neurosurgeon who operates on the spine, bringing nerve expertise — not just bone expertise — to every disc operation, using a 4K camera system with a Joimax HD endoscope for a precise, magnified view of the disc and nerve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
Yes – many do. With time, activity modification, medication and physiotherapy, a large proportion of herniated discs improve. Surgery is reserved for severe or persistent nerve compression, or progressive weakness.
What is the difference between a slipped disc and a herniated disc?
They mean the same thing. 'Slipped disc' is the everyday term; 'herniated', 'prolapsed' or 'extruded' disc are the medical terms for disc material pressing on a nerve.
How is a herniated disc removed endoscopically?
Through a single 8 mm portal that carries both the high-definition camera and the instruments. Only the fragment compressing the nerve is removed, and the back muscles are not cut.
Have a question or an MRI to review?
Send it to Dr. Kalyan’s team for an honest opinion. Consultations at Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad.