Sciatica is a common yet painful condition caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down each leg. It can lead to sharp, radiating pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs, as well as numbness, tingling, and even muscle weakness. For many, these symptoms improve with non-surgical treatments like medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. However, when sciatica becomes persistent and significantly impacts daily life, surgery may be the most effective solution for lasting relief.

At Vardhman Neurospine and Orthopedic Hospital, we specialize in advanced surgical options for sciatica, helping patients find freedom from pain and regain mobility. Dr. Vardan Kulshreshtha, a senior neurosurgeon and spine specialist, leads our team in providing personalized surgical care using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, ensuring optimal outcomes and faster recovery.

Why Surgery for Sciatica?

Sciatica surgery is typically recommended for patients who:

• Have severe, chronic pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments
• Experience significant weakness, numbness, or loss of function in the leg
• Show signs of serious nerve damage or loss of bladder/bowel control (a rare but urgent condition known as cauda equina syndrome)

By relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve, surgery can effectively reduce pain, restore sensation, and improve mobility, allowing patients to return to their normal activities without the discomfort of chronic sciatica.

Types of Sciatica Surgery

Our team at Vardhman Neurospine and Orthopedic Hospital offers specialized procedures designed to treat the root causes of sciatic nerve compression:

• Microdiscectomy: This minimally invasive procedure removes a small portion of the herniated or damaged disc that’s pressing on the sciatic nerve. Through a small incision, Dr. Kulshreshtha carefully removes only the affected disc tissue, preserving as much of the healthy disc as possible. Microdiscectomy is highly effective in relieving leg pain and improving function.

• Laminectomy: For patients with spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), a laminectomy removes a portion of the vertebra (the lamina) to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves, alleviating pressure on the sciatic nerve. This procedure can provide long-term relief and help restore movement and flexibility.

• Foraminotomy: This procedure enlarges the foramen, the passage through which nerve roots exit the spinal canal. By creating more room, a foraminotomy relieves nerve compression and reduces pain.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Sciatica Surgery

At Vardhman Neurospine and Orthopedic Hospital, we prioritize minimally invasive techniques to offer patients several advantages, including:

• Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
• Less damage to surrounding tissues
• Reduced pain and a faster recovery time
• Lower risk of infection and complications
  
  

Minimally invasive surgery allows many of our patients to recover and return to daily activities sooner than with traditional surgery, enabling a smoother journey toward pain-free living.