Microdiscectomy in Northern Kentucky
Outpatient lumbar disc surgery with same-day discharge. Real relief from sciatica, herniated disc pain, and pinched nerves, performed by Aptiva Health's Northern Kentucky spine care team.
Medically reviewed by Jaideep Chunduri, MD — August 2026.
Schedule your appointment today!
Outpatient Microdiscectomy — Get Back to Life Faster
If you've been living with sciatica, leg pain, or numbness from a herniated disc — and physical therapy, injections, and time haven't fixed it — microdiscectomy is the most proven surgical option to get you out of pain.
At Aptiva Health in Indianapolis, lumbar microdiscectomy is performed in an outpatient setting. That means no hospital stay, no extended admission, and recovery in the comfort of your own home — usually the same afternoon as your surgery. Most patients are walking within hours and back to desk work within one to two weeks.
Your care is led by Aptiva's experienced Indianapolis spine team — including board-certified spine and orthopedic surgeons and advanced practice providers who specialize exclusively in spine and musculoskeletal care.
Conditions Treated
Conditions We Treat With Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy is the gold-standard surgical treatment for nerve compression in the lower back caused by a herniated disc. It is most commonly used for:
Sciatica — sharp, burning, or shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down the buttock and into the leg
Lumbar radiculopathy — pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg caused by an irritated nerve root
Herniated lumbar disc — a disc in the lower spine that has bulged or ruptured and is pressing on a nerve
Pinched nerve in the lower back
Foot drop or leg weakness caused by nerve compression
Failed conservative treatment — patients who have not improved after 6+ weeks of physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and/or epidural steroid injections
Not sure if your back pain is a disc issue? → Spine Surgery Northern Kentucky
What to Expect From Microdiscectomy Surgery
Before Surgery
MRI of the lumbar spine to confirm the herniated disc and identify the affected nerve
Medical clearance and pre-operative consultation with your Aptiva provider
Fasting instructions per anesthesia protocol
Arrange a ride home — you cannot drive yourself
Day of Surgery
Arrive 1-2 hours before surgery start time
General anesthesia administered
Small incision (typically less than 1 inch) made in the lower back
Using surgical magnification, the surgeon carefully removes the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve, preserving the healthy disc structure
Procedure typically takes about one hour
1-2 hours in recovery, then discharge home the same day
After Surgery
Walk within hours of surgery
Most patients report immediate relief of leg pain
Light activity resumes within days
Desk work: typically 1-2 weeks
Physical labor: typically 4-6 weeks
Post-operative follow-up at 2 weeks and 6 weeks
Physical therapy may be recommended starting at 2-4 weeks
Why Choose Aptiva Health for Your Spine Surgery
Outpatient. Not a hospital. Microdiscectomy doesn't need a hospital stay. We perform it in an outpatient setting so you recover at home, in your own bed, with your family — not in a hospital ward.
A dedicated spine team Spine surgery isn't a side specialty at Aptiva — it's a focus. Our Indianapolis team includes board-certified spine and orthopedic surgeons plus dedicated PAs and a nurse practitioner who care for spine patients every day.
Fast access Stop waiting weeks for an answer. Most patients see an Aptiva spine provider within days of calling. If surgery is the right answer, we move quickly to get you scheduled and out of pain.
One team, start to finish From your first call to your final post-op visit, you'll work with the same Aptiva team. We handle insurance verification, scheduling, and post-op care in-house.
Cash-pay options available For patients without insurance — or with high deductibles — we offer transparent, all-inclusive cash-pay pricing. No surprise hospital bills.
Your Northern Kentucky Spine Care Team
At Aptiva Health, your spine care is delivered by a team of board-certified surgeons and advanced practice providers who focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine — including herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spine conditions.
Jaideep Chunduri, MD | Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Dr. Jaideep Chunduri is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Aptiva Health and one of the most experienced spine surgeons in the tri-state region. He is the former Director of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery at TriHealth in Cincinnati, a founding orthopedic spine surgeon at Beacon Orthopedics, and SCOI fellowship-trained. He sees patients in Northern Kentucky, Indianapolis (beginning May 21, 2026), and the Greater Cincinnati region.
Steven Ganzel, DO — Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Interventional Pain Management
Dr. Ganzel is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Interventional Pain Management. For the Aptiva Health Spine Team, he performs fluoroscopy-guided epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and other interventional pain procedures for patients — many of which provide lasting relief and prevent the need for surgical intervention.
Insurances Accepted
Aptiva Health accepts most major insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid Managed Care, workers' compensation, auto insurance (PIP and Medpay). We verify benefits and provide a clear cost estimate before surgery.
For patients paying out of pocket, we offer transparent, bundled cash-pay pricing for microdiscectomy that includes the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, and post-operative visits — no surprise itemized hospital bills.
Call 859-592-1008 to verify your insurance or request a cash-pay quote.
Ready to Stop Living With Sciatica?
If you've been suffering with leg pain, numbness, or weakness from a herniated disc — and conservative care hasn't worked — it's time to talk to Aptiva's spine team.
Ready for Relief From Leg Pain and Spinal Stenosis?
If you've been suffering with leg pain, heaviness, cramping with walking, numbness, or weakness — and conservative care hasn't worked — it's time to talk to Aptiva's spine team about whether a lumbar laminectomy is right for you.
Schedule a Consultation in Northern Kentucky — Schedule Now
Aptiva Health – Northern Kentucky: 2093 Medical Arts Drive, Hebron, KY 41048
Drive times:
5 minutes from CVG (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport)
10 minutes from Florence, KY via I-71/75
12 minutes from Burlington and Union via KY-237
15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati via I-275 East
18 minutes from Covington and Newport
20 minutes from Anderson Township and Mt. Washington (OH)
25 minutes from Price Hill, Westwood, and Delhi Township
30 minutes from Florence Mall and the Boone County line south
Communities we routinely serve: Hebron, Florence, Burlington, Union, Walton, Erlanger, Edgewood, Crestview Hills, Fort Mitchell, Fort Wright, Independence, Covington, Newport, Fort Thomas, Cold Spring, Alexandria, Highland Heights, and across the river in Cincinnati, Anderson Township, Delhi Township, Cheviot, Price Hill, and Westwood.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Walk-in injury care availability may vary; call ahead to confirm.
Insurance accepted: Most major medical insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, most Kentucky Medicaid plans, workers' compensation, auto injury coverage (PIP and MedPay), and cash-pay.
Schedule your appointment today!
Microdiscectomy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lumbar microdiscectomy?
A lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve caused by a herniated disc in the lower back. The surgeon removes the portion of disc material pressing on the nerve while preserving as much healthy disc tissue as possible. Microdiscectomy is commonly considered for patients experiencing sciatica or other nerve-related symptoms caused by a lumbar disc herniation.
Is microdiscectomy an outpatient procedure?
Microdiscectomy may be performed on an outpatient basis for appropriately selected patients. Many patients are able to return home the same day, depending on their overall health, the complexity of the procedure, and how they recover after surgery. Your Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky spine team will explain what to expect based on your individual surgical plan.
How long does microdiscectomy take?
The length of a microdiscectomy varies based on the location of the disc herniation, the amount of nerve compression, and the individual patient. Your surgeon will discuss the anticipated procedure time, anesthesia, and recovery process with you before surgery.
How long is recovery after microdiscectomy?
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Walking is generally encouraged early in recovery, while returning to work, driving, exercise, lifting, and other activities happens gradually based on your symptoms and progress.
Patients with desk-based jobs may return sooner than those whose work involves lifting or strenuous activity. Your Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky spine team will provide individualized post-operative guidance and follow-up throughout your recovery.
Who will I see at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky for spine care?
Spine care at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky is led by Jaideep Chunduri, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon who evaluates and treats conditions affecting the cervical and lumbar spine.
Patients also have access to a coordinated spine-care team that includes non-surgical treatment, interventional pain management, imaging, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Steven Ganzel, DO provides Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and interventional spine care, including options such as epidural steroid injections, facet procedures, medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency ablation.
This team-based approach helps patients explore appropriate non-surgical and surgical options based on their individual condition.
How do I know if I need microdiscectomy surgery?
Microdiscectomy may be considered when symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness are linked to a herniated disc that is compressing a spinal nerve and non-surgical treatment has not provided enough improvement.
Treatment before surgery may include physical therapy, medication, activity modification, or epidural steroid injections. Dr. Jaideep Chunduri will review your symptoms, physical examination, imaging, and treatment history to determine whether microdiscectomy or another treatment option may be appropriate.
Will my insurance cover microdiscectomy?
Coverage for microdiscectomy depends on your individual insurance plan, benefits, medical necessity, and authorization requirements. Aptiva Health works with many commercial insurance plans as well as Medicare, Medicaid Managed Care, workers' compensation, and auto-injury coverage.
The Aptiva Health team can help verify benefits and discuss anticipated coverage before treatment. Patients should confirm their individual benefits because coverage varies by plan.
What results can I expect after microdiscectomy?
The goal of microdiscectomy is to relieve pressure on an affected spinal nerve and improve symptoms related to that compression, particularly radiating leg pain or sciatica. Results vary based on factors such as the location and severity of the disc herniation, how long the nerve has been compressed, overall health, and individual recovery.
During your consultation, Dr. Chunduri will discuss the expected benefits, potential risks, and limitations of surgery based on your specific condition.
What's the difference between microdiscectomy and discectomy?
Both procedures remove herniated disc material that is placing pressure on a spinal nerve. The main difference is the surgical approach. A microdiscectomy uses a smaller incision and specialized visualization or magnification to access the affected area while limiting disruption to surrounding tissues.
The most appropriate technique depends on the location and extent of the disc herniation, your anatomy, and your surgeon's treatment plan.
How soon can I drive after microdiscectomy?
The timing for returning to driving varies from patient to patient. You generally need to be able to sit comfortably, move safely, react appropriately while driving, and no longer be taking medications that could impair your ability to drive.
Your Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky spine provider will give you individualized guidance about when it is appropriate to resume driving after surgery.
Where can I see a spine surgeon for microdiscectomy in Northern Kentucky?
Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky provides spine care in Hebron, Kentucky, serving patients throughout Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati area. Patients can access spine evaluations, imaging, interventional pain management, physical therapy, and surgical consultation through the Aptiva Health network. Dr. Jaideep Chunduri serves as the primary surgical spine provider for the Northern Kentucky location.