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What is the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic discectomy for recurring sciatica?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had sciatica for 10 years due to a sports injury. Initially, when it happened, I did a few exercises and got it cured. For the past 3 years, it has recurred, and the pain in both legs is unbearable. I have tried numerous treatments, including exercises, physiotherapy sessions, laser therapy, cupping therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, acupressure, and more, but I have not found any relief. Recently, I consulted with an orthopedic surgeon, and he suggested minimally invasive endoscopic spine treatment, where they would insert a pen-like object to remove the disc bulge. I want to know more about the safety of this treatment, and also, is it possible that it may recur in the future? Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Anuj Gupta

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anuj Gupta is an Orthopedic Surgeon who is specially trained in spine surgery. He completed his MBBS from The Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore, and MS in Orthopedics at Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Kanpur. He did his DNB at Chatrapathi Shahu Ji Maharaj University. Currently, he is working in Triveni Ortho and Spine Center, Delhi, with work experience of 13 years. He has also done short training in spine surgery from the University of California, San Francisco, and Mount Sinai hospital, New York. He has also completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics from a renowned hospital in the USA.

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Hi,

I appreciate that you have chosen icliniq.com for your medical needs.

I am here to give you the best care possible.

As per my understanding, you would like to know more about endoscopic discectomy. I would like to provide my opinion, but before that, I would appreciate it if you could upload the axial cuts of your MRI (magnetic resonance imaging. There should be one more film; could you please upload it?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Yes, sure doctor. The affected area is the L4-L5 disc bulge.

Answered by Dr. Anuj Gupta

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anuj Gupta is an Orthopedic Surgeon who is specially trained in spine surgery. He completed his MBBS from The Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore, and MS in Orthopedics at Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Kanpur. He did his DNB at Chatrapathi Shahu Ji Maharaj University. Currently, he is working in Triveni Ortho and Spine Center, Delhi, with work experience of 13 years. He has also done short training in spine surgery from the University of California, San Francisco, and Mount Sinai hospital, New York. He has also completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics from a renowned hospital in the USA.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed the attached image (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity). Well, you have a sequestered disc fragment, making you an ideal candidate for microscopic or endoscopic discectomy. Some practitioners use a microscope, while others use an endoscope, but the results are the same. You will be able to walk on the same day and can be discharged either on the same day or the next day. You can resume light duties after 3 to 4 weeks. There is a 5 to 7 percent chance of recurrence, but this procedure is worth considering if you have not found relief with conservative methods such as medicines and nerve root blocks. Also, this is a very safe surgery with negligible chances of complications in capable hands.

Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Anuj Gupta
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 1, 2024
Reviewed At March 1, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anuj Gupta is an Orthopedic Surgeon who is specially trained in spine surgery. He completed his MBBS from The Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore, and MS in Orthopedics at Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Kanpur. He did his DNB at Chatrapathi Shahu Ji Maharaj University. Currently, he is working in Triveni Ortho and Spine Center, Delhi, with work experience of 13 years. He has also done short training in spine surgery from the University of California, San Francisco, and Mount Sinai hospital, New York. He has also completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics from a renowned hospital in the USA.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anuj Gupta
Dr. Anuj Gupta

Spine Surgery

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anuj Gupta is an Orthopedic Surgeon who is specially trained in spine surgery. He completed his MBBS from The Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore, and MS in Orthopedics at Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Kanpur. He did his DNB at Chatrapathi Shahu Ji Maharaj University. Currently, he is working in Triveni Ortho and Spine Center, Delhi, with work experience of 13 years. He has also done short training in spine surgery from the University of California, San Francisco, and Mount Sinai hospital, New York. He has also completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics from a renowned hospital in the USA.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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