Epiduroscopic lumbar discectomy through the sacral hiatus for sciatica

The procedure

Epiduroscopic lumbar discectomy through the sacral hiatus is usually done with the patient under sedation and local anaesthesia. The aim is to relieve the pain of sciatica by removing the parts of the disc that press against the spinal nerve.

A small cut is made between the buttocks at the base of the spine and a needle is inserted. Using a guidewire and other instruments, a channel is made to the space around the spine containing the spinal nerves. A flexible endoscope is inserted through the channel and positioned so that the surgeon can see the damaged disc and any affected nerves. A laser is then inserted and used to remove disc tissue.