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Therapeutic endoscopic division of epidural adhesions

 
Guidance issued
 
Number: IPG88

Summary

The Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee (IPAC) has considered this procedure and NICE has issued a consultation document about its safety and efficacy. Consultation has now ended. IPAC will consider the consultation comments and produce a Final Interventional Procedures Document, which will be considered by NICE before guidance is issued to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The consultation period for this procedure closed on the 23 November 2009.

If you wish to be updated to any developments with this procedure, you can express an interest here.

Description

Endoscopic epidural procedures are used to treat lower back pain, particularly when radiculopathy is present. The epidural space is examined with an endoscope and further interventions may then be performed, such as mobilising spinal adhesions or administering drugs to inflamed tissue.

OPCS code:

Details

Arrangement:
Special
Topic area:
Musculoskeletal
Surgical procedures
Specialty:
Trauma and orthopaedic surgery
Specialist advice has been sought from:
  • British Association of Spinal Surgeons
  • Society of British Neurological Surgeons
  • British Orthopaedic Association
  • British Pain Society
  • Society for Back Pain Research
Date notified to NICE:
01 April 2002
Provisional consultation date:
Autumn 2009
Guidance issue date:
22 September 2004

Contact details:

Project manager (for general enquiries or comments)
(for general enquiries or comments)
Ben Doak
Technical lead
(for procedure specific enquiries or comments)
Heather Stegenga
Contact Address:

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA

Links: