Abstract: A percutaneous discectomy system 10 includes a discectomy device 12 having a needle 16 with a port 48 and a flared cutting edge 44 which is actuated past the port 48 to sever tissue provided adjacent thereto. An irrigation device is 18 are provided for irrigating the area adjacent the tip 46 of the needle 16 to assist a vacuum device 22 in aspirating the severed tissue away from the disc. The discectomy system 10 assists in the removal of herniated disc tissue in order to relieve pressure on the nerves located adjacent thereto. In addition, the needle 16 is flexible so that it can be temporarily or permanently bent around other body tissues such as the pelvis in order to access discs which are surgically hard to reach otherwise.