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herniated fragmented disc

For about two months, I had sigmificant right leg pain (sciatica?) that has generally slowly gone away by itself except for slight residual in the quads and hamstring.  The hip and ankle pain has disappeared  An MRI showed herniated fragmented disc (lower lumbar).  I am a 67 year old male.  My doc sent me to a neurosurgical group for a discussion/evaluation.  

Should I forgo surgery since the symptoms are just about gone, or is the fragment a danger for future, maybe more disabling injury?  My body seems to be telling me to stay away from surgeons at this time.
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551699 tn?1218576292
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Surgery, especially major surgery, is not without its complications.  Generally speaking if your symptoms are improving or resolving, one may certain want to reconsider the potential benefits (or lack thereof) of surgery, as well as the potential complications.  However, in some situations/disease processes just because you don't have symptoms now does not prevent you from having serious or dramatic symptoms going forward.  For example, people who have large cerebral aneurysms (dilated arteries) are nearly always without symptoms but are at a very high risk for rupture based on how large the aneurysm is.  Despite having no symptoms it's important to treat these aneurysms if/when they get sufficiently large to prevent catastrophic subarachnoid hemorrhage (a type of bleed into the brain).  However, in sciatica, such catastrophic events are much less likely.  Often you can be followed clinically (+/- additional imagining if necessary) and if your symptoms get worse again, you can always be reassessed.  I would ask your neurosurgeon if there is any reason "watchful waiting" isn't a good idea in your particular situation based on your imaging, extent of symptoms, and neurological exam findings.  
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Avatar universal
many thanks.  I have an appointment with my neuro doc thursday this week, and will ask him about 'watchful waiting',

I do very much appreciate your time.

Bob
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