Lumbar Discectomy

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pain down your leg caused by pressure on a nerve where it leaves your spine. This can happen if a disc in your spine becomes worn and develops a bulge (a 'slipped disc') (see figure 1).

What Are the Benefits of Lumbar Discectomy?

You should recover more quickly from your sciatica. You may also be less likely to get sciatica again.

Are There Any Alternatives to Lumbar Discectomy?

For many people, sciatica gets better without surgery. Treatment involves painkillers and rest, followed by an exercise programme.

If you have a lot of pain, you can also have a steroid injection in your spine.

The Procedure

What Does the Lumbar Discectomy Involve?

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The spinal operation usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Your surgeon will make a cut on the centre of your lower back. They will part the muscles and remove a small amount of ligament and sometimes bone to get to the disc.

Your spinal surgeon will remove the piece of disc that is pressing on the nerve.

What Complications Can Happen?

General Complications

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring
Blood clots
Difficulty passing urine

Specific Complications

Continued pain or numbness down your leg
Numbness between your legs, loss of normal bowel and bladder control and, for men, problems with having an erection
Tear of the thin membrane that covers the nerves in your spine
Infection of the intervertebral disc

Following Surgery

How Soon Will I Recover?

You should be able to go home the next day.

Do not lift anything heavy, even if that is what your job involves.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a good recovery and are able to return to normal activities.

Summary

The common cause of sciatica is a bulge on one of the discs in your spine that presses on a nerve in your lower back. If the pain does not settle, your surgeon can remove the bulge.

To enquire about Lumbar Discectomy at New Victoria Hospital, call 020 894 9020 or fill out our contact form.

Acknowledgements

Author: Mr Stephen Milner DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.)

The operation and treatment information on this website is published under license by New Victoria Hospital from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.