Expected Results

The goal of this procedure is to provide relief of leg pain and prevent further neurologic injury. Back pain is frequently relieved, but may persist because of arthritis or other sources of back pain not coming from the disc.

Success rates are similar to the published results of standard microscopic discectomy, but with less recovery time and quicker rehabilitation due to the more minimally invasive nature of SED™.

There may be some discomfort in the surgical area. Other light activity is resumed on the evening of surgery and is gradually increased at home. Leg pain may subside immediately, or after several months. Your pre-operative pain may temporarily increase or change in character.

On infrequent instances, if your pain persists, or if it returns, further tests may be needed to look for other causes of your pain, so it is imperative that you keep in contact with Dr. Yeung after your surgery for up to a year , then on a yearly basis.

Follow-up in the office will occur days, or 1 to 2 weeks after surgery depending on the patient’s location and situation. One can expect to return to work in 1 to 4 weeks (or earlier if ready) depending on the job demands. Out-of- town patients are usually seen 1-2 days postoperatively to determine whether they can travel home the next day.