Assessment of Efficacy of Endoscopic Discectomy as a Line of Management for Herniation of Lumbar Disc

Abstract

Background: The majority of studies show positive results when treating lumbar disc herniations with open discectomy, which is the method of choice according to many writers. Even if traditional discectomy produces results that are equivalent, microdiscectomy is currently considered as the gold standard. Aim of work:This study aimed to investigate the endoscopic lumbar discectomy's efficacy, safety, and outcomes for patients with a herniated lumbar disc. Subjects and Methods: From April 2020 to May 2021, 18 patients with a herniated lumbar disc underwent endoscopic lumbar discectomy in the Department of Orthopedics at Zagazig University Hospitals. Thorough history and precise clinical examination were done for all the participating. All patients underwent the preoperative imaging tests as Lumbosacral spine plain x-ray, Lumbo-sacral spine CT scan and Lumbar-sacral spine MRI. Then, patients with lumbar disc herniation who had symptoms that persist after six weeks of conservative treatment or who had neurological deficits are frequently considered for surgical treatment (Endoscopic Discectomy). Three to twelve months was the follow-up period. Results: Postoperatively, VAS score was significantly lower than it was before the procedure. Postoperatively, ODI score was significantly lower than it was before the procedure. 11.1% experienced an unintentional durotomy, 5.6% experienced a superficial infection, and 83.3% experienced no postoperative complications with a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that starts with a small incision in the skin for better cosmetic results and avoidance of tissue dissection to reduce intra-operative blood loss, iatrogenic devascularization, and denervation of the paraspinous muscles.