Epiduroscopic lumbar discectomy through the sacral hiatus for sciatica

The condition

The tough outer cover of a disc is called the annulus. It can sometimes weaken or tear, allowing the soft centre to bulge through. This is called herniation, also known as a '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 paralysis in the legs or even problems with the bladder or bowel.

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

NICE has looked at using epiduroscopic lumbar discectomy through the sacral hiatus as another treatment option.

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