[Chemonucleolysis in the treatment of sciatica from herniated lumbar disc (author's transl)]

A proteolytic enzyme was used to dissolve the nucleus pulposus in 140 cases of sciatica from herniated lumbar disc. The results were satisfactory in 75% of 120 patients followed up for more than 6 months. This percentage of success, similar to that obtained with surgical excision of the disc, can only be achieved with a rigourous technique and, more importantly, with strict selection of the patients. Chemonucleolysis is indicated only for patients with unquestionable clinical and radiological evidence of herniated disc, in which case it can be considered as the ultimate medical treatment of sciatica associated with this lesion. No serious complications were observed in our series, but the risk of allergic reaction must be borne in mind.