[Patient satisfaction following operation for lumbosacral radicular syndrome: an apparent paradox]

An operation for a herniated disc is successful in the majority of cases. In most patients the pain in the affected leg disappears almost immediately. However in 10-40% of cases the symptoms either do not disappear or recur. In spite of this high complication rate, it is reported that almost 90% of patients are satisfied with the operation. This should be interpreted as a compliment to the attending physician and not as the outcome of the operation. The high rate of symptoms or recurrences after operation calls for better prognostic studies. Based on better predictions, patients and their doctors may make better decisions on treatment.