ABSTRACT
Excision of a lumbar disc protrusion is the most commonly performed spinal operation, about 9000 being performed annually in England. It is not surprising, therefore, that this operation is responsible for much litigation. There are many causes for patient dissatisfaction, including failure to provide sufficient information about risks and benefits, operating too early or too late, neglecting a cauda equina syndrome, operating at the wrong level or on the wrong side, poor surgical technique damaging the dura or a nerve root, or poor post-operative care with failure to identify a recurrent disc herniation or a post-operative haematoma.
