What is the procedure called for the surgical excision of an intervertebral disc?

The procedure for the surgical excision of an intervertebral disc is known as discectomy. This operation involves the removal of the herniated part of a disc in the spine that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord, which often causes pain and other neurological symptoms. By removing the problematic portion of the disc, the procedure aims to alleviate pain and restore the function of the affected nerve.

The term discectomy specifically refers to this targeted procedure on the intervertebral disc, and it plays a vital role in treating conditions such as herniated discs or degenerative disc disease. It is commonly performed in patients who do not respond to conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medication.

In contrast, ataxia is a term that describes a lack of coordination or control over voluntary movements and does not refer to a surgical procedure. Craniotomy refers to the surgical opening of the skull, typically performed for procedures involving the brain, and is unrelated to spinal surgery. Epidural generally refers to a type of anesthesia administered in the epidural space or to the space around the spinal cord, and it does not involve excising any physical structure. The precision of the term discectomy is what makes it the correct answer in