Conventional laminotomy/laminectomy, with or without the use of a microscope or surgical loupes, remains the usual method of surgical care for symptomatic lumbar disc disease. The development of an approach for percutaneous lumbar discectomy (PLD) began over 25 years ago. Since then, clinical investigations of manual and automated PLD techniques have recorded an average success rate of 50% to 70%. We present here our results of treating 89 patients with percutaneous lumbar endoscopic discectomy using either endoscopic thermodiscoplasty or endoscopy only. 65 patients (73%) were rated as excellent or good results. 16 patients as fair and 8 patients as poor. Two patients had complications, which were controlled. We consider this technique as a safe and efficacious in the treatment of selected cases of lumbar disc prolapse. |
