microscope_blue_32.pngFor Patients


Epiduroscopy is a procedure used to diagnose the causes of sciatica Pain down the leg in a distribution which suggests it is due to inflammation or irritation of a nerve. .

Using an instrument called an epiduroscope or flexible fiberoptic endoscope, your doctor can visually inspect your dural sac The sac which contains the nerves from the spine (the spinal cord) and fluid (cerebrospinal fluid). and determine why you are having pain.

Some cases of back and leg pain can be due to pressure on the spinal nerves from small bulges in the intervertebral discs or scarring around these nerves as they leave the spinal canal.

Investigations currently available involve the use of CT scanning, CT myelography and MRI’s. These investigations do not always give a clear picture of the problem. In particular, these tests do not accurately show scarring or inflammation Redness, swelling and pain in an area. around the nerves.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation and will be monitored with an Image Intensifier x-ray machine. It is performed in an operating theatre. You will be awake but sleepy during the procedure. Your doctor may want to ask questions during the procedure. It is important that if you feel any severe pain during the procedure you let your doctor know.

Sometimes, as well as identifying the scar tissue or inflammation, the doctor can then go on and treat these effectively through the scope.

  • After the procedure you will go to the recovery room where nurses will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygenation. You may experience some numbness in your legs for a few hours,. This typically recovers over 3 or 4 hours.
  • Sometimes the pain is increased temporarily after this procedure. It may take a week before you feel any benefit.
  • After the procedure you should keep the area where the scope was introduced clean and dry. You may shower, but you should not take a bath for 2 weeks. You may take simple pain killers or others if you have discussed it with your doctor beforehand.
  • Do not drive a motor vehicle, operate machinery or make important decisions for 24 hours after the procedure.
  • If you experience fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, persistent pain and excessive drainage at the insertion site, contact your doctor.