<s>[INST] What is the success rate of lumbar fusions for L2-S1 discs?  I'm a 54 year old female who has had chronic lower back pain for 20 years.  I have herniated discs but two neurosurgeons say I need a fusion versus a discectomy.  I was told my spine is very unstable.  I have had multiple lumbar epidurals with no success.  I don't want a fusion, but no one will just try trimming away the herniated disc. [/INST] Hi,Thank you for posting your query.The decision to do fusion versus discectomy depends on your clinical symptoms, MRI findings and the surgeon's experience.In your case, since the spine is unstable, i would also prefer doing a fusion.If done by experienced neurosurgeons, the success rate is more than 95%.I hope it helps. Please get back if you require any additional information.Wishing you good health,Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)Senior Consultant NeurologistApollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, IndiaClick on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY:  BLOG: </s>