On 9 December 2014 I underwent a surgery for my hernia. It was done laparoscopically (through a small hole) by dr. Menno Iprenburg in the Hernia Clinic in Veenhuizen, the Netherlands.

The PTED operation (Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy) is a minimally invasive technique for removing a hernia, in which an endoscope (viewing tube with camera) is inserted through a small incision in the side of the back. The surgeon monitors the surgical area on a screen and uses instruments to remove the herniated tissue, relieving pressure on the nerve. This technique often leads to a faster recovery, less pain after the procedure, and less damage to surrounding muscles and tissues than traditional open surgeries.