Microsurgical discectomy: a prospective study of 200 patients.

This report describes the results of microsurgical discectomy in a prospective study of 200 consecutive patients with intractable sciatica, followed independently by a pain clinic. Post operative morbidity was minimal, the complication rate very low, and patients were discharged home early. Leg pain was relieved in almost all patients, but back pain was relieved in only 72% of patients. The rate of return to work at one, three and twelve months post-operatively was 50%, 83% and 95% respectively. Microsurgical discectomy is an effective and safe procedure.