numbness and discomfort in back and legs

  CCF,
  During the past 8 years I have had two herniated disc surgeries. The most recent one was April of 1996. After that surgery, I still had numbing in the left leg foot and calf area. Starting last month, the numbing has moved up to the mid-thigh region and is very intense at times. I have trouble with balance and going up and down stairs. My previous surgeries were at L-4 and L-5 S1, with my surgeon always mentioning my thecal sac and scar tissue. What exactely is the thecal sac and can it be worked on surgically? Is there a technique that can remove postoperative scar tissue from my previous surgeries? The discomfort I have ranges from intense shooting pains to general soreness. I recently got an MRI and a mylegram, and would like to get a second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic. Would I work with an individual doctor or would a team of physicians review my case. I am just 30 years old and would like to stop any future numbing or disc degeneration that would effect my quality of life. I would appreciate a referral to the most qualified professional that has an expertise in these problems. Thank you.  
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Dear Thomas,
You have new symptoms after previous surgeries for discs in the lumbar spine.  What needs to be done now, if anything, depends to a large degree on what was seen on the most recent CT/myelogram and MRI.  You likely do have scarring in the region from the previous surgery and the problem with removing the scar is that it will simply form again.  
The thecal sac is the sac containing spinal fluid that wraps around the spinal cord a the cervical and thoracic levels and the lumbar and sacral nerve roots in the lower lumbar region.  Surgery is routinely done in and around this area.
We have two excellent spine surgeons in Dr. Kalfas and Dr. Bingaman.  They both have extensive experience in the spine, spinal instrumentation and reoperative spinal surgery.  Should any further issues arise, our spinal surgeons can make the appropriate referrals.  An appointment can be made to be seen in clinic by calling 800-223-2273.  Ask the operator for the neurosurgery scheduling desk.
Good luck.