Lumbar Discectomy Surgery: Types of Methods + Comparison with RF and PLDD

Release date: 8 December 2025

Discectomy is one of the most common treatments for lumbar disc herniation, which aims to reduce pressure on nerve roots and relieve pain.

Discectomy is one of the most common treatments for lumbar disc herniation, which aims to reduce pressure on the nerve roots and relieve pain. Depending on the severity of the herniated disc and the patient’s condition, there are different methods: open discectomy, microdiscectomy, endoscopic discectomy, and PLDD. Also, minimally invasive RF (radiofrequency) and PLDD (laser disc) methods are alternatives or supplements to discectomy that can be effective in reducing pain.

Types of discectomy procedures

1. Open Discectomy

In an open discectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower back and removes the protruding portion of the disc, relieving pressure on the nerve.

This procedure is suitable for large or complex discs.

Pros: Direct view of the surgeon, suitable for large discs
Cons: Larger incision, more pain after surgery, longer recovery period

2. Microdiscectomy

A minimally invasive procedure performed using a surgical microscope. The goal is to remove the herniated portion of the disc with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

Advantages: Small incision, less pain, short recovery period
Disadvantages: Requires advanced equipment and skilled surgeon.

3. Endoscopic discectomy

Using an endoscope to access the disc with minimal incision and tissue damage. Short recovery period and quick return to daily life are the advantages of this method.

Advantages: Minimally invasive, quick recovery
Disadvantages: Requires high experience and specialized equipment.

4. PLDD (Laser Disc)

PLDD is a very minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to reduce the internal volume of the disc and relieve pressure on the nerve.

Advantages: No incisions, rapid pain relief, short recovery period
Disadvantages: Suitable for small and medium disks, special equipment required

5. RF (Radio Frequency)

RF is a non-surgical procedure that uses radiofrequency waves to target painful nerves or inflamed tissue and reduce pain.

Advantages: Non-surgical, no incisions, rapid pain relief
Disadvantages: Suitable for inflammation and nerve pain, the effect is usually temporary and may need to be repeated.

Comparison table of lumbar disc treatment methods

Method	Being aggressive	Recovery period	Benefits	Disadvantages	Suitable items
Open discectomy	Top	Long	Direct surgeon view, suitable for large discs	Larger incision, more pain, higher complications	Large and complex disks
Microdiscectomy	Low	Short	Minimally invasive, small incision, less pain	Need for equipment and skilled surgeon	Moderate disc, marked nerve compression
Endoscopic discectomy	Low	Short	Minimal tissue damage, rapid recovery	Requires experience and advanced equipment	Small to medium disc, low-risk patient
PLDD (Laser Disc)	Low	Very short	No incisions, rapid pain relief	Suitable for small and medium discs	Small to medium disc, no severe tear
RF (Radiofrequency)	Non-surgical	Very short	No incisions, rapid pain relief	Temporary effect, needs to be repeated	Nerve pain, inflammation of the facet joints and nerve roots

Professor Cyrus Momenzadeh’s Pain Relief Clinic

Pain Relief Clinic, managed by Professor Dr. Sirous Momenzadeh, is a specialized provider of pain treatment and minimally invasive surgery services for lumbar and cervical disc herniation.
At this center, all discectomy, PLDD, and RF procedures are performed with advanced equipment and by a team of experts so that patients experience the best treatment results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the recovery period after a discectomy? Depending on the procedure, it takes between 1 and 6 weeks for the patient to resume daily activities. Can the disc herniate again? There is a possibility of recurrence, but following the correct movements, strengthening exercises and physical therapy reduces the risk. Which method is right for me? With the consultation of a specialist and an MRI examination, the best method is chosen based on the size of the disc, the severity of symptoms and physical condition. Is RF an alternative to surgery? RF is most often used to reduce nerve pain and inflammation of the facet joints and may be a complement to surgical treatments in some patients.

Professor Dr. Cyrus Momenzadeh

Professor Dr. Cyrus Momenzadeh, a distinguished pain specialist and founder of the Taskin Pain Clinic, is one of the pioneers of modern and minimally invasive pain management in Iran. With years of scientific and clinical experience, he is recognized as one of the leading figures in the field of pain medicine.