Is minimally invasive surgery effective for lumbar disc herniation?

The outcome of minimally invasive surgery for lumbar disc herniation is generally quite good. Minimally invasive procedures offer advantages such as less tissue trauma, faster recovery, and reduced blood loss. They can significantly alleviate patient discomfort, shorten recovery time, and help maintain spinal stability. Specifically, techniques like radiofrequency ablation and transforaminal endoscopic surgery access the affected area through small incisions or natural body pathways, allowing precise treatment of the herniated disc and effective decompression of the nerve roots. These approaches demonstrate significant therapeutic effects, with excellent outcomes achieved in 90% or more of cases. However, minimally invasive surgery is not suitable for all patients with lumbar disc herniation. For those with severe conditions, open surgery may still be required. Therefore, when considering minimally invasive surgery, doctors will evaluate each patient's specific condition carefully and determine appropriate indications.