Cervical Deuk Laser Disc Repair^®: A novel, full-endoscopic surgical technique for the treatment of symptomatic cervical disc disease

Abstract

Background:Cervical Deuk Laser Disc Repair® is a novel full-endoscopic, anterior cervical, trans-discal, motion preserving, laser assisted, nonfusion, outpatient surgical procedure to safely treat symptomatic cervical disc diseases including herniation, spondylosis, stenosis, and annular tears. Here we describe a new endoscopic approach to cervical disc disease that allows direct visualization of the posterior longitudinal ligament, posterior vertebral endplates, annulus, neuroforamina, and herniated disc fragments. All patients treated with Deuk Laser Disc Repair were also candidates for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).Methods:A total of 142 consecutive adult patients with symptomatic cervical disc disease underwent Deuk Laser Disc Repair during a 4-year period. This novel procedure incorporates a full-endoscopic selective partial decompressive discectomy, foraminoplasty, and posterior annular debridement. Postoperative complications and average volume of herniated disc fragments removed are reported.Results:All patients were successfully treated with cervical Deuk Laser Disc Repair. There were no postoperative complications. Average volume of herniated disc material removed was 0.09 ml.Conclusions:Potential benefits of Deuk Laser Disc Repair for symptomatic cervical disc disease include lower cost, smaller incision, nonfusion, preservation of segmental motion, outpatient, faster recovery, less postoperative analgesic use, fewer complications, no hardware failure, no pseudoarthrosis, no postoperative dysphagia, and no increased risk of adjacent segment disease as seen with fusion.

Deuk Laser Disc Repair®is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic cervical disc disease

“…[20404250] The Deuk Laser Disc Repair ® procedure directly visualizes and addresses these painful areas of the annulus with the laser assisted debridement step of the surgery. [11]…”

“…The cervical Deuk Laser Disc Repair ® technique has been described in a prior publication. [11] In brief, cervical Deuk Laser Disc Repair ® is an anterior, full endoscopic, transdiscal, laser-assisted surgery during which a selective partial discectomy, foraminoplasty, and annular debridement are performed under direct visualization of the local anatomy [Figure 1]. The entire procedure is performed without the use of implants, biologics, or fusion.…”

“…The Deuk Laser Disc Repair ® surgical technique has been previously described[11121314] and incorporates three distinct procedures including a selective partial discectomy, foraminoplasty, and annular debridement. Here we present the clinical outcomes of the first 66 consecutive patients with 1 or 2 adjacent symptomatic cervical disc(s) treated with Deuk Laser Disc Repair ® .…”

Full Endoscopic Spinal Surgery Techniques: Advancements, Indications, and Outcomes

“…Recent non-randomized lumbar studies include a single surgeon evaluation of 400 patients using the translaminar approach for lumbar disc herniations, a study of 300 central and foraminal degenerative spinal stenosis who underwent posterior endoscopic decompression, 4 50 geriatric patients aged 75 years and older who underwent transforaminal foraminal decompression, and a review of 611 patients and associated complications. 4,25,35 Additional studies include the use of endoscopic techniques in the treatment of spinal infections, thoracic as well as cervical disc herniations 3,5,20 Recent articles have also explored more advanced indications for endoscopic surgical techniques including single level multi-focal disc excision and foraminal decompression for primary foraminal stenosis as well as failed back syndrome.…”

“…1 Recent advances in endoscopic optical technology as well as endoscopic surgical techniques permit the care and treatment of other spinal disorders including decompression of central and foraminal stenosis of the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine including anterior cervical decompression. [2][3][4][5][6] An understanding of the history, development, technical specifications, surgical functional anatomy, indications and limitations, techniques, and potential complications is necessary to achieve optimal surgical outcomes. Appropriate surgical training including didactic lectures, hands on cadaveric training, and surgical observation should all be elements of surgical education and instruction.…”