A method for performing a selective discectomy is disclosed whereby a path for insertion of a tissue removal device is created by inserting a cannula with a flexible distal end position into an intervertebral disc by entering the nucleus at a point contralateral or anterolateral to a herniation site or entering anterior or anterolateral relative to the herniation site. The path is followed by a cutting device with a cutting window and either or both of the cannula or cutting device may be positioned at a site of herniation using all of any of control wires, a set of styli, viewable markings on a component and/or visualization devices.