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Benefits and risks

Benefits and risks

When NICE looked at the evidence, it decided that more research was needed. The 5 studies that NICE looked at involved a total of 636 patients.

Generally, they showed that patients had less pain and disability when followed up between 3 and 24 months after the procedure.

The studies showed that the risks of epiduroscopic lumbar discectomy through the sacral hiatus for sciatica included:

  • mild paralysis in 1 patient, which got better within a month

  • foot drop in 2 patients, which got better within 6 months

  • increased skin sensitivity in 1 patient

  • pins and needles in 15 patients, which disappeared within 6 months

  • headaches in 11 patients

  • air inside the skull in 1 patient

  • infection in 4 patients

  • meningitis in 2 patients, which got better with treatment and rest.

If you want to know more about the studies, see the guidance. Ask your health professional to explain anything you don't understand.

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