The Sciatica-PLDD trial

INTERVENTION: Patients who fit the in‐ and exclusion criteria for the trial for lumbar disc herniation will be randomised into two groups. 1. The first group will receive microsurgical discectomy in their own hospital. 2. The second group will be referred to 1 of 4 assigned PLDD‐centers, where Percutaneous Laser Discus Decompression will be carried out by an experienced interventional (neuro)radiologist. CONDITION: ; Sciatica, Lumbar disk ; ; PRIMARY OUTCOME: Roland Disability Questionnaire for Sciatica. SECONDARY OUTCOME: A cost‐effectiveness‐analysis will be carried out on the basis of health‐related utility factors. This will include costs of sickness absence and long‐term disability. ; Neurological and radiological parameters will also be assessed. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Patient age 18‐70 years; 2. At least 8 weeks of persisting sciatic pain with or without paresis or sensory impairment; 3. Patients must qualify for surgical intervention; 4. Clear unilateral lumbar disc herniation on CT‐ or MRI imaging with a anteroposterior diameter less than 33% of the spinal canal; 5. Informed consent.