Journal List > J Korean Soc Spine Surg > v.15(4) > 1035823

Ki, Choi, Kim, and Kuk: Lumbar Discectomy Using Tubular Retractor and Microendoscopy

Abstract

Study Design

Retrospective study

Objectives

To compare the surgical results of microendoscopic discectomy using a tubular retractor with those of a conventional discectomy for lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus.

Summary of Literature Review

Minimally invasive approaches to the lumbar spine have been attempted with success over the past 25 years.

Materials and Methods

This study examined 36 cases who underwent lumbar discectomy using a tubular retractor and microendoscopy (Group A) and 30 cases who underwent a conventional discectomy (Group B). The operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay were recorded. The clinical results were assessed using the Korea Version Oswestry Disability Index (KODI), and the radiological results were evaluated from changes in disc height.

Results

The patients in Group A had a longer operation time(mean, 95.56±23.57 minutes vs 81.17±35.30 minutes, p=0.062), less intraoperative blood loss (mean, 58.61±97.08 cc vs 161.00±88.64 cc, p=0.001) and a shorter hospitalization stay (mean, 8.22 ±4.99 days vs 17.33±10.98 days, p=0.001) than group B. There was significant improvement in the mean KODI score for Group A; 6.36±7.18 and Group B; 5.97±5.14. However, there was no significant difference in the pain improvement (mean, 1.14 ±1.15 vs 1.30±1.06, p=0.559) and walking index (mean, 0.25±0.44 vs 0.30±0.47, p=0.656). In terms of social life, Group A had better results (mean, 0.20±0.48 vs 0.67±1.01, p=0.018). The disc height according to radiography decreased from 8.44±1.98 mm to 7.40±1.59 mm in Group A and 9.07±1.93 mm to 7.67±1.90 mm in Group B, but there were no statistical differences in the changes in disc height between the two groups (p=0.143).

Conclusion

Microendoscopic discectomy is an effective procedure with good outcomes in treating lumbar disc herniation that allows less tissue trauma, compared with conventional open discectomy.

REFERENCES

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Fig. 1.
Endoscopic findings. (A) Laminotomy is done under tubular retractor and microendoscopy. (B) Endoscopic discectomy is doing.
jkss-15-265f1.tif
Fig. 2.
A 22 year-old woman with HNP L4-5. (A) Preoperative MRI shows herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-5. (B) Immediate postoperative computed tomographs shows hematoma compression at laminotomy area and spinal canal.
jkss-15-265f2.tif
Table 1.
The results of operative procedures.
Characteristics A Group (N=36) B Group (N=30) p-value
Mean operation time (minutes) 95.56±23.57 81.17±35.30 0.062
Mean bleeding volume (ml) 58.61±97.08 161.00±88.640 0.001
Mean hospitalization (day) 8.22±4.99 17.33±10.98 0.001

∗Student t-test

Table 2.
Clinical and radiological results
Characteristics A Group (N=36) B Group (N=30) p-value
KODI
  Total score 6.36±7.18 5.97±5.14 0.796
  Pain 1.14±1.15 1.30±1.06 0.559
  Walking 0.25±0.44 0.30±0.47 0.656
  Social life 0.20±0.48 0.67±1.01 0.018
Disc height (mm)
  Pre OP 8.44±1.98 9.07±1.93  
  Follow up 7.40±1.59 7.67±1.90 0.143

KODI=Korean Version of the Oswestry Disability Index

∗Student t-test

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