Policy number: SRP 043
Policy name: Endoscopic Laser/Electrothermal Spinal Surgery
Status: Not Funded
Effective date: 1 April 2024
Next review date: 1 April 2029
Mid and South Essex ICB do not fund Endoscopic Laser/Electrothermal Spinal Surgery.
These procedures have been assessed as a Low Clinical Priority by MSE ICB and will not be funded unless there are exceptional clinical circumstances.
This restriction applies to the following procedures:
- Epiduroscopic lumbar discectomy through the sacral hiatus for sciatica-. (IPG570)
- Endoscopic laser surgery foraminoplasty for chronic back and leg pain from a variety of causes (IPG031)
- Percutaneous endoscopic laser thoracic discectomy (IPG061)
- Therapeutic endoscopic division of epidural adhesions (IPG333)
- Percutaneous electrothermal treatment of the intervertebral disc annulus for low back pain and sciatica (IPG544)
Rationale: see Policy Statement 193 Interventional Procedure Guidance
MSE ICB will not fund health care interventions that are subject to a NICE IPG where the IPG states:
- Current evidence on safety is inadequate.
- Current evidence on efficacy is inadequate.
- Evidence of safety and efficacy is on small numbers of patients and of limited quality.
- No major safety concerns, but efficacy has not been shown.
- Evidence is limited to a small number of patients. Good short-term efficacy but little evidence of long-term efficacy.
- There is adequate evidence of safety and efficacy, but the technical demands are such that is should not be used without special arrangements.
- Evidence for short term efficacy is limited and long-term outcomes are uncertain.
Individual funding requests should only be made where the patient demonstrates clinical exceptionality.
Find out more information on applying for funding in exceptional clinical circumstances