The effect of paraspinal muscle-splitting microscopic-assisted discectomy versus percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy on patients in the treatment of far-lateral lumbar disc herniation
Abstract Background Minimally invasive surgery includes percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and the microscopic tubular technique. This study aimed to compare the two techniques and evaluate the outcome of the procedure. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with far-lateral lumbar disc herniation (FLLDH) from June 2015 to October 2018. Twenty-six patients underwent paraspinal muscle-splitting microscopic-assisted discectomy (MD), and 30 underwent percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) surgery. Data included the duration of the operation, duration of intraoperative radiation exposure and average hospitalization. Pre- and postoperative pain scores and neurological functions were recorded using visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Results A total of 56 patients remained in the study over the 12–24 months. The mean operating time was 65.83 ± 16.64 min in the PELD group, the mean duration of radiation exposure was 2.87±1.19 min and average hospitalization was 3.43 days. The mean operating time was 44.96 ± 16.87 min in the MD group, the mean duration of radiation exposure was 0.78±0.32 min and average hospitalization was 4.12 days. All patients in both groups showed significant improvement of VAS and ODI scores after surgery and until final follow-up. Conclusion Both techniques are minimally invasive, effective, and safe for treating far-lateral lumbar disc herniation in selected patients. Compared with the PELD technique, the MD procedure affords a wider field of vision during operation, shorter operation time, fewer postoperative complications, and a shorter learning curve.