Anterior Lumbar Fusion?

I'm looking for info on an anterior lumbar fusion. I've had problems with L5/S1 disk herniation for several years. After years of bouts with back pain, the disk ruptured in March of 96. I never went to dr for the back pain until then. It pretty much healed until it herniated again in June 96, with severe sciatica. My dr sent me to a spine surgeon who said the MRI showed a huge herniation. I tried physical therapy and epidural injections with little success, finally opted for microdisectomy in Sept 96. Had little success with that also. Same disk ruptured again in Nov 96, had 2nd microdisectomy immediately with great success after much longer recuperation than first surgery. The SAME disk spat out what little was left in it in Aug 99. Since then I've tried everything to avoid a fusion - more epidurals, a facet joint block with no help for my back. Doc says there is no disk left. Today I agreed to an anterior lumbar fusion, doc said it's made for me - I'm 43, quite thin, with only one bad disk, the rest of my back is in great shape. Doc said that he'll use a combo of my bone and bone from a bone bank - no metal. He says the recovery time is better for anterior vs. posterior fusion. I'm afraid of making it worse than it is now. Any stats on sucess rates? Sorry this is so long, I don't often hear of people with problems like mine with the same disk causing problems over & over. Thanks!

[CCF Neuro[P] MD RPS]

Dear Rhonda:

Sorry to hear about your disc problem.  Your surgeon is correct in that you will probably have less problems with an anterior approach.  However, the outcome is purely individual specific and is related to the quality of the surgeon.  I would not venture to predict an outcome.  Surgery is always problematic.  I hope you do well and the surgery works for you.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD