Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Reviews by topic · Procedures # Microdiscectomy. *In patients’ words.* Want to hear how patients describe conversations and care involving microdiscectomy? Read their accounts alongside the faces and profiles of our clinicians, with links back to each review’s source. **10** matching reviews **5** clinicians [Meet the clinicians ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/#catalog-clinicians) [Read every matching review ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/#review-browser) This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars. These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result. [Read this catalog as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/index.md) People behind your care ## Meet the clinician. *Hear the experience.* Clinician order rotates between visits. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s patient accounts. Read the full reviews for context. [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/#clinician-amandeep-bhalla-m-d) [Brandon A. Ortega, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/#clinician-brandon-ortega-md) [Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/#clinician-hyun-bae-md) [Leonel Hunt, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/#clinician-leonel-hunt) [Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/#clinician-sanjay-khurana-m-d) [![Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/amandeep-bhalla-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Meet our team ## [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 2 matching reviews [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-m-d/) Excerpt > that culminated in the need for a discectomy. L. B. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: February 20, 2019 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/amandeep-bhalla-md-long-beach?hrid=9SZaEFQMMwfUWiGgSvdMBw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD Excerpt > As the last resort, Dr. Bhalla performed a lumbar discectomy on Jan. D. M. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: February 1, 2019 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/amandeep-bhalla-md-long-beach?hrid=EqpSeWSgluD0p3wj3Hgwuw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD [Read all 2 matching accounts for Amandeep Bhalla, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/?provider=amandeep-bhalla-m-d#review-browser) [![Brandon A. Ortega, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/brandon-ortega-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brandon-ortega-md/) Meet our team ## [Brandon A. Ortega, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brandon-ortega-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 1 matching review [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brandon-ortega-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/brandon-ortega-md/) Excerpt > He performed an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) on my neck on 5-12-25, S. Songbird) Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 21, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113424455394485399742/place/ChIJTxvcSygz3YARoijXeBhzhh8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brandon A. Ortega, MD [Read all 1 matching accounts for Brandon A. Ortega, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/?provider=brandon-ortega-md#review-browser) [![Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/hyun-bae-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) Meet our team ## [Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 1 matching review [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) Excerpt > I was very nervous about the surgery (microdiscectomy) but I had no choice as I was in so much pain and in bed for 2 A. A. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: May 30, 2018 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=lVqJG_xd802R0Yu-jW0aeQ&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD [Read all 1 matching accounts for Hyun Bae, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/?provider=hyun-bae-md#review-browser) [![Leonel Hunt, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/leonel-hunt.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) Meet our team ## [Leonel Hunt, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 1 matching review [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) Excerpt > that this was my second (Lumber S1-L5 Discectomy) that didn't go so well the first time, at another location. T. coder Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 9, 2019 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102928525982946980763/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD [Read all 1 matching accounts for Leonel Hunt, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/?provider=leonel-hunt#review-browser) [![Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/sanjay-khurana-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Meet our team ## [Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 5 matching reviews [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-m-d/) Excerpt > Dr. Khurana performed a discectomy. S. Wales Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: November 1, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100254928329163643496/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD Excerpt > Dr. Khurana performed L4/L5 microdiscectomy for me in December 2018. A. Runchal Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: March 23, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105821863635030671329/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD [Read all 5 matching accounts for Sanjay Khurana, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/?provider=sanjay-khurana-m-d#review-browser) Make it personal ## What matters *in your conversation?* Use the accounts here to think about the questions you want to bring to our team. - What would I like to ask at a consultation about microdiscectomy? - Which details in these patient accounts would I like to ask our team about? Explore the collection ## Read more *patient experiences.* Browse the written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that match this topic. Filter by clinician, source, or rating. 10 written reviews Highest rated first · Newest within each rating > I had severe spinal stenosis in L5 and L6 in 2020. Dr. Khurana performed a discectomy. My surgery was a great success, and I no longer had any pain! I even walked up a large stairway in my home on the day I returned home from surgery!! My spinal stenosis has worsened to the point I cannot stand or walk in L3 and L4, and he will be doing another procedure for me soon. I consider Dr. Khurana a miracle surgeon! S. Wales Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: November 1, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100254928329163643496/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD > Dr. Brandon Ortega, my Orthopedic Surgeon, whom I love and respect, is a shining example of compassion and precision. In my entire life, I have never met a Doctor so genuinely caring and meticulous. He was a divine blessing in my life. In 2023, he performed a Lumbar fusion decompression on my spine. He performed an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) on my neck on 5-12-25, and I'm looking forward to feeling much better again.🙌 > On 5-12-25, my surgery was a resounding success, he repaired the disc in my neck, and I'm now embarking on a transformative journey of healing, strength, growth, and freedom from pain!!!🦋 > I'm ecstatic to share that Dr. Ortega has done it again, surrounded by his exceptional staff in a radiant healing atmosphere filled with light and professionalism! As I closed my eyes, I was serenaded by "Everything is going to be alright"! And that was uplifting vibrations. Again, thank you, Dr. Ortega, you're a blessing to the world! > Ms. Sherry Pruitt 💛 S. Songbird) Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 21, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113424455394485399742/place/ChIJTxvcSygz3YARoijXeBhzhh8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brandon A. Ortega, MD > Dr. Khurana performed L4/L5 microdiscectomy for me in December 2018. All i can say is that i am more than satisfied and i am still able to do my hikes, walks and chores 6 years later. I will surely highly recommend him with a 7* rating. A. Runchal Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: March 23, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105821863635030671329/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD > Hands down some of the best medical care I have ever received. > > I've had back problems for almost 13 years, and I've seen dozens of the top specialists and surgeons in the Los Angeles area throughout the years. I came to Dr. Khurana in August with excruciating sciatica due to a severe herniation at L4L5 and moderate herniation at L5S1. I had had a previous microdiscectomy at those same levels almost 10 years prior which made things a little trickier, and the three surgeon opinions I got did not all agree on what to do with me. > > Dr. Khurana spent probably almost an hour with me in-office, and then another 30-45 minutes with me on the phone talking me through my options and what he would recommend if it were him or a family member going through the situation. Never once did he tell me I should see HIM for the procedure, only what he thought would be the smartest and safest course of action for me. Ultimately, I ended up scheduling a repeat microdiscectomy with him and am so happy with my decision. > > His office is easy to get ahold of, he is consistently on-time (even early!), and made the surgery scheduling process absolutely seamless. Dr. Khurana's PA, Elaine, could not possibly be more knowledgable or helpful. They've both been incredibly accessible to me both before and after surgery, answering all 1000+ of my questions thoroughly. > > Dr. Khurana does his surgeries at DISC, which felt like I was getting royal treatment compared to the two surgeries I've had at Cedars Sinai hospital. From my nurses to my anesthesiologist, I felt like both the facilities and the team Dr. Khurana uses were the absolute best. G. S. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: September 30, 2019 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/sanjay-khurana-md-marina-del-rey?hrid=aJ8j5QVfLWNZzhed8dUXjA&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD > A pure Golden Genius.> Dr. Leonel Hunt's background alone speaks for himself. If anyone! believes this doctor is not one of the most " Thoughtful, Brilliant, Dedicated" Orthopedic Spine Surgeon's across America, then they should look at his achievements, his hard-work, and long-suffering that he put into his career, and his patients. > I alone, appreciate the time and effort he put into my back surgery. He's a caring doctor too. I was able to call him between 1:00am to 4:00am if I had a concern about my back once I returned home. He did not reject one call. Dr. Hunt knew I was very scared; but, he assured me that everything would be ok being that this was my second (Lumber S1-L5 Discectomy) that didn't go so well the first time, at another location. I knew that God had blessed Dr. L Hunt with wisdom and a good heart. > > After looking at a few of your reviews, I thought I'd needed to validate who you are. > > Well done! Dr. L Hunt...….. > T.Q. T. coder Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 9, 2019 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102928525982946980763/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > Dr Bhalla is a life saver! I had been suffering from debilitating and extremely painful sciatica for well over a year only to have that culminated in the need for a discectomy. Dr. Bhalla was gentle, kind, validating and easy to speak with, totally contrary to the stereotype of a narcissistic surgeon. The surgery was literally an instant cure to my pain, recovery was minimal. No complaints and I can't speak highly enough about my experience. I am so very grateful to Dr. Bhalla! L. B. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: February 20, 2019 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/amandeep-bhalla-md-long-beach?hrid=9SZaEFQMMwfUWiGgSvdMBw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD > Dr. Bhalla is a wonderful specialist! For over five months, I had been dealing with almost constant pain from a bulging disc. My primary physician tried oral steroids . . .sent me for weeks of physical therapy. . .and I worked out responsibly on my own. After no lasting improvement, my primary physician referred me to Dr. Bhalla, claiming that he was the best spinal specialist in Long Beach. I met with him and immediately like him. . . very friendly manner, easy going, caring, compassionate, an expert who provided clear, simple suggestions. First, we went the epidural route. I experienced about 10 days of relief then after holiday travel (cross country), some long car rides, and over-extending myself through exercise, I was down again. . .more pain than ever. As the last resort, Dr. Bhalla performed a lumbar discectomy on Jan. 8. He explained everything in a reassuring manner, of course, not guaranteeing optimal results. However, he was positive that I would experience relief, stating that he had very good success rates. In short, after the operation, I had no more pain in my butt and left leg. (My bulging disc had been pinching the nerves going down my left rear end and leg.) I still have some numbness in my feet and toes, but I expect this to improve. Certainly, I was very well prepared for this surgery after going through over five months of alternative treatment. Plus, I am in very good shape for a 63-year-old man. However, Dr. Bhalla's positive, confident, caring attitude helped greatly! I would highly recommend him. . .the best ever! D. M. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: February 1, 2019 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/amandeep-bhalla-md-long-beach?hrid=EqpSeWSgluD0p3wj3Hgwuw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD > I recently had a herniated disc in my L3. > I was very nervous about the surgery (microdiscectomy) but I had no choice as I was in so much pain and in bed for 2 months. > > I can honestly say Dr Bae help save my life and get me back on track. > > Dr Bae and his team were extremely professional and knowledgeable and made me feel like everything was going to be alright. > He knew exactly what needed to happen after looking at my MRI. > The surgery went amazing I was able to walk right away. > It's been a bit of a struggle post-op getting my leg back to normal and will start PT soon. > > It's an amazing comforting feeling being treated by the best in the world. > > Thank you Dr Bae for helping me get my life back. > Not sure what I would have done or how this would have ended up if I hadn't been under your care. > Staff is amazing knowledgeable and very helpful pre and post. > > Please keep up the amazing work helping people the way you do. A. A. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: May 30, 2018 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=lVqJG_xd802R0Yu-jW0aeQ&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > This review is 1 year and a month post S1-L5 and L5-L4 microdiscectomy. > > After an injury at an obstacle course race that was completely my fault, load over capacity on a heavy lift, I had lumbar pain that eventually became a sciatic pain that was most felt in my left calf. > > I started Physical Therapy to resolve the issue, but in my case and situation, it was not resolving the issue the way we wanted it. The pain kept coming back immediately when walking, even after performing exercises that would relieve it. My PT recommended a few surgeons to talk to, and after looking at DISC I chose to go see Dr. Khurana. I figured if DISC gets Red Bull athletes back to performing, I would be in capable hands. > > Another reason I chose Dr. Khurana was that he understood why I had the injury and what I needed to do to get past it. There was no "oh you must have surgery" or "we can do surgery but never flip that 400lbs tire again". Upon initial consultation and look at my MRI, we both agreed to continue PT for a few more weeks to make sure that PT was not progressing for "me" and what I wanted to continue doing. As another reviewer stated, these things are not one size fits all. Make sure your PT, surgeon AND YOU are in line with your life goals. I felt that Dr. Khurana, and the entire DISC staff, cared about my situation and wanted to get me back to where I wanted to be. > > I wanted to race again that year, wanted to carry 70lbs buckets uphill, wanted to trail run for 30+ miles, wanted to crawl under barbwire, wanted to blah blah blah. Dr. Khurana understood where I wanted to be as an athlete and where I was before the injury and I felt his consultation kept all this in mind. > > I elected to have the surgery performed, and everything was super smooth. In on a Friday morning, out that evening and I was back to work on Monday. I was back to racing again in just over six months (Tahoe Ultra Beast, aroo!). My case is not all cases, as I had done a ton of work during the previous years that would have been considered pre-hab. > > The surgery experience was excellent. Everyone was very caring and explained everything to me in as much detail as I wanted. I would do it again if I "had" to. I was never second-guessing the decision. > > All of the post-op appointments were the same caliber. Dr. Khurana explained what I may experience in the next year or two as I started training again, so while sometimes I am alarmed thinking "uh...should I be feeling this now?" between Dr. Khurana and my PT I am guided in the right direction. He cared about how I was progressing and how I was getting back to my pursites. > > Shout out to Devin Blessing at Evolution Physical Therapy. They are just around the way from DISC in Playa Vista and are an excellent place to follow up your surgery at. B. C. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: May 15, 2018 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/sanjay-khurana-md-marina-del-rey?hrid=FDM3rkKZWZuN9J2yzJuXOA&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD > I am 46 years old and struggled with severe lower back pain for 18 years. I have had epidurals, rhizotomies and a microdiscectomy at L5-S1. I avoided a fusion for years because it was such a big surgery. Dr. Khurana was fantastic in his analysis of my condition due to his vast experience. He was never in a rush to perform my surgery and always said to come back whenever I was ready. His kind demeanor and attentive staff really made me comfortable during my decision making process. > I am now six months post op from having Dr. Khurana perform an ALIF (anterior lumbar interbody fusion) and am 100% pain free. My low back has not felt this good since I was in my mid 20's. Before my surgery I could hardly put my shoes on and never slept through the night. I am now back to swimming, surfing, lifting weights, sleeping through the night and most importantly I am able to do everything with my kids completely pain free. > You always hear the bad outcomes with spinal fusion surgery but rarely hear the positive. Dr. Khurana has a fantastic surgical team and I would recommend anyone to go see him before having surgery. He was always a pleasure to deal with and his surgical skills are second to none. J. F. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: April 13, 2018 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/sanjay-khurana-md-marina-del-rey?hrid=XlDmzI6uIpNeHh94ysX8yw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD Understand your options ## Bring your *next good question.* Spine ### [Decompression, laminectomy, or microdiscectomy: what would change?](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/decompression-microdiscectomy-questions/) These names describe ways to create space around nerves. Before surgery, understand the exact target, why that amount of treatment is proposed, and which symptoms may improve. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/decompression-microdiscectomy-questions/) Keep exploring ## More patient *perspectives.* [All review topics →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/) Body areas ### Lower back and lumbar spine 85 matching reviews · 10 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Lower back and lumbar spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/lower-back/) Body areas ### Neck and cervical spine 112 matching reviews · 8 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Neck and cervical spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/neck/) Body areas ### Spine and back 371 matching reviews · 11 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Spine and back](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/spine/) Conditions ### Herniated disc 29 matching reviews · 7 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Herniated disc](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/herniated-disc/) Conditions ### Radiculopathy 4 matching reviews · 3 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Radiculopathy](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/radiculopathy/) Conditions ### Sciatica 17 matching reviews · 6 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Sciatica](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/) ## Complete review collection [Read all 10 written reviews in this collection](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/all.md) ## Review pages in Markdown Previous: This is the first review page. Next: This is the last review page. - [Page 1](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/microdiscectomy/index.md) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. This website is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Google, Zocdoc, or Yelp. Google, Google Maps, and Google Business Profile are trademarks of Google LLC. Zocdoc and the Zocdoc logo are trademarks of Zocdoc, Inc. Yelp and the Yelp logo are registered trademarks of Yelp Inc. All third-party names and logos belong to their respective owners and identify the original review sources. © 2026 Commons Clinic. All rights reserved.