Clinical study on treatment of lumbar disc herniation by microendoscopic discectomy

Objective To study surgical methods and clinical efficacy on treatment of lumbar disc herniation by microendoscopic discectomy. Methods A total of 60 patients with the lumbar disc herniation were enrolled in the study.The microscope endoscopic tubular retractor system was used to access the interlaminar space. The nerve root was retracted medially with a nerve root retractor to expose the herniated lumbar disc for performing the discectomy. The dissociative ligament was restored anatomically after disc removal and the decompression of the nerve root. Results The operation was completed smoothly in all the 60 patients, without conversions to open surgery.The operation time was(50±12)min(range,40~80 min).The wound healed by first intention in all the patients. No complications were observed. A follow-up was carried out for 9-16 months(mean,12.8 months).According to the Nakai classification, excellent results were achieved in 38 patients, good in 18 patients, fair in 4 ,and poor in 0, the rate of excellent or good outcomes being 93. 33% . Conclusions The treatment of lumbar disc herniation by microendoscopic discectomy is safe, with little organization damages,simultaneously maintained spinal columns stability. It is an effective way of preventing the scar after the operation of disc herniation, the clinical effect is good. Key words: Microendoscopic discectomy; Lumbar disc herniation; Surgery