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:
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mild paralysis in 1 patient, which got better within a month
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foot drop in 2 patients, which got better within 6 months
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increased skin sensitivity in 1 patient
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pins and needles in 15 patients, which disappeared within 6 months
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headaches in 11 patients
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air inside the skull in 1 patient
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infection in 4 patients
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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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