Information for the public
The procedure
The procedure
This procedure is done using local or general anaesthetic, with the patient lying face down or on their side. It aims to relieve sciatica by removing tissue from the damaged disc.
Using X‑ray imaging to identify the correct place, a needle is inserted through the skin into the disc. A small guidewire is placed through the needle and a channel is made through the muscles to the damaged disc. An endoscope (a thin tube with a camera on the end) and other instruments are inserted and used to remove tissue from the damaged disc. A laser may also be used to help remove the tissue. The person can usually get up within a few hours of the procedure.