Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy for sciatica

The condition

The tough outer cover of a disc is called the annulus. It can sometimes tear, allowing the soft centre to bulge through. This is called herniation, also known as 'slipped disc'. If it presses on a nerve, the slipped disc can cause pain in the back, pain in the leg (sciatica), and numbness or weakness in the legs or even problems with the bladder.

Treatments include painkillers, drugs to reduce inflammation, corticosteroid injections into the affected area, physical therapy and acupuncture. If these treatments don't work, or if the symptoms are severe or long lasting, the slipped disc may be removed, either by open surgery or using less invasive techniques. This is called discectomy.

NICE has looked at using percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy as another treatment option.

NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more.