n.
surgical removal of all or part of a prolapsed intervertebral disc using an operating microscope, a very short incision, and very fine instruments that can be inserted between the individual vertebrae of the backbone. The procedure is used to relieve pressure on spinal nerve roots or on the spinal cord caused by protrusion of the pulpy matter of the disc (nucleus pulposus). This is a form of minimally invasive surgery.
Medical dictionary. 2011.