Pain Intensity and Functionality After Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate pain intensity and functional status before and 30 days following percutaneous lumbar endoscopic discectomy. Methods A retrospective cohort study that included patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic discectomy from January 2019 to October 2020 at the Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital, in Porto Alegre. The data were collected from the electronic medical records of the patients by two independent physicians. Clinical outcomes were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Results Forty-six patients with a mean age of 52.6 ± 15.8 years, 27 of whom (58.7%) were male, were evaluated. Regarding clinical outcomes, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the comparison between the pre- and 30-day postoperative VAS and ODI scores, with no significant difference in relation to sex. No peri- or postoperative complications were observed. All patients successfully completed surgery and were discharged after recovery from anesthesia. Conclusion There was a significant improvement in pain and functional status 30 days after percutaneous endoscopic discectomy performed to correct lumbar disc herniation, with no difference in relation to sex. In addition, no peri- or postoperative complications were observed. Future studies, with longer follow-up times, comparing clinical outcomes from the various techniques of percutaneous endoscopic discectomy are necessary. Level of evidence III; Retrospective comparative study.