WebMD.com:

"People who have had a herniated disc that causes pain, weakness, or numbness for longer than 6 months may have nerve damage and may benefit less from surgery."

"Studies generally report that herniated disc surgery is successful 70% to 95% of the time."

"The success rate of discectomy, including microdiscectomy, is about 85%."

"Within 5 years of a herniated disc surgery, about 15% of people have another surgery."

"There is no guarantee that surgery will relieve your symptoms."

"About 7% of people who have a laminectomy or discectomy develop postoperative complications, such as lung or heart problems."

"There is no guarantee that you won't need a repeat surgery."