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Surgery for Sciatica Whats the success rate UK

Posted , 4 users are following.

Greebo64
Greebo64

I am looking for some further advice from those who had surgical procedure for Lumbar Stenosis + Spondylolisthesis grade1 that causes sciatica pain bilateral [in both legs] what was the success of your op' & which procedure did you have ?

 advice very welcome.

I have seen 3 neuro surgeons all with conflicting advice....leaving me very confused & completely stressed out

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Kimb63
    Kimb63 Greebo64

    Posted

    Hello Greebo64,

    Ouch, you have my sympathy as I had similar problems with a couple of collapsed discs thrown in. Underwent lumbar decompression surgery 3+ years ago where I had both a laminectomy and spinal fusion. Recovery periods vary for each person however, if you are good to yourself and relatively sensible, recovery to your pre-stenosis, spondylolisthesis state is completely possible even probable.

    It can seem like a slow recovery process following this type of surgery but it is SO worth it and the time soon passes! I wish you luck with whatever you decide.

    • Greebo64
      Greebo64 Kimb63

      Posted

      Hi Thanks for your reply,

      but they are not offering fusion... just bilateral decompression & laminectomy.. what I am worried about is that with surgery is that in a short time following recovery the stenosis can return & the bone can regrow causing even more pain, one consultant I saw last year offered this surgery mentioned above but said "if he was me he would not have it" he said it could make the pain worse & that success rate was low.

      I have heard this a few times from other people who have had the same surgery . but I cant carry on putting up with this I dead getting out of bed in the morning, as soon as I stand up the pain in both legs kicks in I have to walk with a stoop to try & ease the pain.

      I know Chico [post above] has had many spinal surgeries & he also has had the stenosis surgery without fusion but I cant remember how successful it was. 

  • Kimb63
    Kimb63 Greebo64

    Posted

    Hmmmm, the dilemma for you seems to be on the overall success of such a major procedure. All I can tell you is that having been in a very similar situation to you and leading a miserable existence, becuase it sure isn't living, surgery has given me my 'life' back. I am now able to all the physical activities I used to do and enjoy walking and exuberant play with our Grandson. The support given with the 'scaffolding' means that you learn to do things a little differently and not lift 3 bags of compost at a time =) BUT and it is a big but, do your research on the best Consultant for your particular problem and look at their stats. I wish you all the luck possible in reaching a conclusion and a successful outcome.

    • Greebo64
      Greebo64 Kimb63

      Posted

      Hi Kim

      What was your main problem & which surgery did you have.

      Regarding the consultant I saw yesterday he is the top one & his stats & reviews are outstanding, he recommended a bilateral decompression/laminectomy he did not think a fusion was necessary but a previous consultant who recommended the same surgery said.. Quote "I would not have done if i was you because it could make the pain worse" not a high success rate...so you can see my dilemma....not sure what to do to be honest

  • Kimb63
    Kimb63 Greebo64

    Posted

    Hi again,

    Started off having a mico-disectomy to L5. Then within 3 months back to the Sciatica but whereas it had been mostly in my right leg it also effected the left and I was in constant pain even with the Diazepam, Gabapentin, Diclofenac and high dosage Tramadol. Turned out this was due to Spondylolisthesis, blown L4 & L5 plus spinal stenosis. So the procedure was to correct the Spondylolisthesis and hold the spine in position with a few brackets and screws plus fusion/lamanectomy to correct L4/L4 so bone graft and caging to stabilise everything. Stenosis was more severe than initially thought so it took a little longer, 4.5hrs or so and a few days in hospital recovering before going home.

    If the stats from your specialist are that good it should give you the confidence to go for corrective surgery. I have no regrets whatsoever and consider myself very, very fortunate - hopefully you will be too!

    • Greebo64
      Greebo64 Kimb63

      Posted

      But my surgeon is not offering or wanting to use the fusion method you have had..this is my concern that doing only a Decompression & Laminectomy without fusion can leave the spine unstable & the stenosis will return eventually.

      but I am happy for you & I take it that you are now fully recovered & have no on going issues post surgery ?

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