I have a 73 years old friend who had minimally invasive surgery ( incision about one inch) they replaced one disk, and others work. surgery was less then 2 hours. very successful, she went home the next day, no more pain ( beside her back problem her health is poor, so quite remarquable). she was walking nicely next day.
If my condition would require it, I would ONLY go for this newer techniques, but beware of all the spinal laser center surgery type outpatient clinics ( and others ). big advertisment, very expensive, and too much of a business ( surgeon cranking up patient. for big bucks). ( llaser surgery is tricky you can get burns, and worse symptoms, I would go for traditional arthrostopic surgery)
I would go to a surgeon that is working with a big reputable hospital. that surgeon would have a great reputation in that field ( search him carefully) and ask him " how many have you done ?)
I think surgeon are like mechanics, you've got the good one, then you got the one that should never hold a scalpel.
hope this help
cheers virginie

I live in texas, I would go to memorial Herman in houston. the top here. I am not considering surgery, so I don't anyone there.
virginie

I've heard of people getting excellent results with this procedure. The people I've read about have gone to the Laser Spine Institute ~ and they've been really satisfied -- but I don't know about the lasting results. Really this is pretty relatively new stuff -- there are any folks I know of who have had it done 10-15 years ago. But I suppose if you can get relief that long, it's pretty good!!!

Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee

That should have read "there are NOT any people around who had it done 10-15 years ago." Sheesh - these new fingers just don't work well. LOL

THANK YOU BOTH FOR THIS INFO, IT HAS BEEN SOMEWHAT HELPFUL. STILL AWAITING FOR APPROVAL FOR MY MRI. MY SCIATICA STARTED ABOUT 1.5 MONTHS AGO. WHICH TREATMENTS HAVE BEEN HELPFUL?
WILL WANT TO TRY SOMETHING TO TREAT THIS SCIATICA. THANKS TO ALL !