Minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy in pediatric patients: a series of 6 patients

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 616-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan G. Thomas ◽  
Steven W. Hwang ◽  
William E. Whitehead ◽  
Daniel J. Curry ◽  
Thomas G. Luerssen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Lumbar Microdiscectomy ◽  
Imaging Results ◽  
The Mean

Object Lumbar disc herniation is rare in the pediatric age group, but may still cause a significant amount of pain and disability. Whereas minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for lumbar disc herniation is routinely performed in adults, it has not yet been described in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical results of pediatric MIS-treated lumbar disc disease. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed a series of 6 consecutive cases of lumbar microdiscectomy performed using MIS techniques between April 2008 and July 2010. Presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, and preoperative MR imaging results were obtained from medical records. Perioperative results, including blood loss, length of hospital stay, and complications were assessed. Findings at latest follow-up evaluation were also recorded. Results This report represents the first surgical series regarding pediatric lumbar microdiscectomies performed using MIS. The mean patient age was 16 years (range 14–17 years); there were 4 girls and 2 boys. Preoperative signs and symptoms of radiculopathic pain were notable in 100% of patients, and myotomal weakness was noted in 33% of patients. The first line of treatment in all patients was a period of conservative management lasting an average of 11.5 months (range 6–12 months). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 10.8 ml, and the mean postoperative length of stay was 1.3 days. There were no complications in this small series. Conclusions The treatment of pediatric lumbar disc herniation by using MIS techniques can be safe and efficacious. However, further study with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up is needed to compare outcomes between MIS and open microdiscectomies.

scholarly journals Microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) for the treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation: report of the surgical technique, patient selection, and clinical outcomes

BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxiao Wang ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Xiaojie Tang ◽  
Haifei Cao ◽  
Qinyong Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Learning Curve ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Operation Duration ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background The area which located at the medial pedicle, posterior vertebral body and ventral hemilamina is defined as the hidden zone. Surgical management of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation (HZLDH) is technically challenging due to its difficult surgical exposure. The conventional interlaminar approach harbors the potential risk of post-surgical instability, while other approaches consist of complicated procedures with a steep learning curve and prolonged operation time. Objective To introduce microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) technique for treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation and present clinical outcomes. Methods Between Jan 2016 to Jan 2018, twenty one patients (13 males) with HZLDH were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent MELS (19 patients underwent sequestrectomy only, 2 patients underwent an additional inferior discectomy). The nerve root and fragment were visually exposed using MELS. The operation duration, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications, and recurrences were recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Postoperative stability was evaluated both radiologically and clinically. Results The mean follow-up period was 20.95 ± 2.09 (18–24) months. The mean operation time was 32.43 ± 7.19 min and the mean blood loss was 25.52 ± 5.37 ml. All patients showed complete neurological symptom relief after surgery. The VAS and ODI score were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to those before operation (7.88 ± 0.70 vs 0.10 ± 0.30, 59.24 ± 10.83 vs 11.29 ± 3.59, respectively, p < 0.05). Seventeen patients (81%) obtained an “excellent” outcome and the remaining four (19%) patients obtained a “good” outcome based the MacNab criteria. One patient suffered reherniation at the same level one year after the initial surgery and underwent a transforaminal endoscopic discectomy. No major complications and postoperative instability were observed. Conclusions Our observation suggest that MELS is safe and effective in the management of HZLDH. Due to its relative simplicity, it comprises a flat surgical learning curve and shorter operation duration, and overall results in reduced disturbance to lumbar stability.

scholarly journals Tubular approach to minimally invasive microdiscectomy for pediatric lumbar disc herniation

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 449-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio D. Montejo ◽  
Joaquin Q. Camara-Quintana ◽  
Daniel Duran ◽  
Jeannine M. Rockefeller ◽  
Sierra B. Conine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Mean

OBJECTIVELumbar disc herniation (LDH) in the pediatric population is rare and exhibits unique characteristics compared with adult LDH. There are limited data regarding the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) using tubular retractors in pediatric patients with LDH. Here, the outcomes of MIS tubular microdiscectomy for the treatment of pediatric LDH are evaluated.METHODSTwelve consecutive pediatric patients with LDH were treated with MIS tubular microdiscectomy at the authors’ institution between July 2011 and October 2015. Data were gathered from retrospective chart review and from mail or electronic questionnaires. The Macnab criteria and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used for outcome measurements.RESULTSThe mean age at surgery was 17 ± 1.6 years (range 13–19 years). Seven patients were female (58%). Prior to surgical intervention, 100% of patients underwent conservative treatment, and 50% had epidural steroid injections. Preoperative low-back and leg pain, positive straight leg raise, and myotomal leg weakness were noted in 100%, 83%, and 67% of patients, respectively. The median duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 9 months (range 1–36 months). The LDH level was L5–S1 in 75% of patients and L4–5 in 25%. The mean ± SD operative time was 90 ± 21 minutes, the estimated blood loss was ≤ 25 ml in 92% of patients (maximum 50 ml), and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted at 30 days. The median hospital length of stay was 1 day (range 0–3 days). The median follow-up duration was 2.2 years (range 0–5.8 years). One patient experienced reherniation at 18 months after the initial operation and required a second same-level MIS tubular microdiscectomy to achieve resolution of symptoms. Of the 11 patients seen for follow-up, 10 patients (91%) reported excellent or good satisfaction according to the Macnab criteria at the last follow-up. Only 1 patient reported a fair level of satisfaction by using the same criteria. Seven patients completed an ODI evaluation at the last follow-up. For these 7 patients, the mean ODI low-back pain score was 19.7% (SEM 2.8%).CONCLUSIONSTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the longest outcomes study and the largest series of pediatric patients with LDH who were treated with MIS microdiscectomy using tubular retractors. These data suggest that MIS tubular microdiscectomy is safe and efficacious for pediatric LDH. Larger prospective cohort studies with longer follow-up are needed to better evaluate the long-term efficacy of MIS tubular microdiscectomy versus other open and MIS techniques for the treatment of pediatric LDH.

Microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) for the treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation: report of the surgical technique, patient selection, and clinical outcomes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxiao Wang ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Xiaojie Tang ◽  
Haifei Cao ◽  
Qinyong Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Learning Curve ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Operation Duration ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Surgical management of lumbar disc herniation in the hidden zone is technically challenging due to its difficult surgical exposure. The conventional interlaminar approach harbors the potential risk of post-surgical instability, while other approaches consist of complicated procedures with a steep learning curve and prolonged operation time. Objective To introduce a safe and effective technique named microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) for treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation and present clinical outcomes within a two year follow-up period. Methods Between Jan 2016 to Jan 2018, twenty one patients (13 males) with hidden zone lumbar disc herniation were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent MELS (19 patients underwent sequestrectomy only, 2 patients underwent an additional inferior discectomy). The nerve root and herniated fragment were visually exposed using this extra-laminar approach. The operation duration, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications, and recurrences were recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Postoperative stability was evaluated both radiologically and clinically. Results The mean follow-up period was 20.95 ± 2.09 months, ranging from 18 to 24 months. The mean operation time was 32.43 ± 7.19 min and the mean blood loss was 25.52 ± 5.37 ml. All patients showed complete neurological symptom relief after surgery. The VAS and ODI score were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to those before operation (7.88 ± 0.70 vs 0.10 ± 0.30, 59.24 ± 10.83 vs 11.29 ± 3.59, respectively, p < 0.05). Seventeen patients (81%) obtained an “excellent” outcome and the remaining four (19%) patients obtained a “good” outcome based the MacNab criteria. One patient suffered reherniation at the same level one year after the initial surgery and underwent a transforaminal endoscopic discectomy. No major complications and postoperative instability were observed. Conclusions Our observation suggest that MELS is a safe and effective method in the management of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation. Due to its relative simplicity, it comprises a flat surgical learning curve and shorter operation duration, and overall results in reduced disturbance to lumbar stability.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy and Open Lumbar Microdiscectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation in the Korean: A Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manyoung Kim ◽  
Sol Lee ◽  
Hyeun-Sung Kim ◽  
Sangyoon Park ◽  
Sang-Yeup Shim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Lumbar Microdiscectomy ◽  
Surgical Methods ◽  
Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

Background. Among the surgical methods for lumbar disc herniation, open lumbar microdiscectomy is considered the gold standard. Recently, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy is also commonly performed for lumbar disc herniation for its various strong points. Objectives. The present study aims to examine whether percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and open lumbar microdiscectomy show better results as surgical treatments for lumbar disc herniation in the Korean population. Methods. In the present meta-analysis, papers on Korean patients who underwent open lumbar microdiscectomy and percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy were searched, both of which are surgical methods to treat lumbar disc herniation. The papers from 1973, when percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy was first introduced, to March 2018 were searched at the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. Results. Seven papers with 1254 patients were selected. A comparison study revealed that percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy had significantly better results than open lumbar microdiscectomy in the visual analogue pain scale at the final follow-up (leg: mean difference [MD]=-0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]=-0.61, -0.09; p=0.009; back: MD=-0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]=-1.42, -0.17; p=0.01), Oswestry Disability Index (MD=-2.12; 95% CI=-4.25, 0.01; p=0.05), operation time (MD=-23.06; 95% CI=-32.42, -13.70; p<0.00001), and hospital stay (MD=-4.64; 95% CI=-6.37, -2.90; p<0.00001). There were no statistical differences in the MacNab classification (odds ratio [OR]=1.02; 95% CI=0.71, 1.49; p=0.90), complication rate (OR=0.72; 95% CI=0.20, 2.62; p=0.62), recurrence rate (OR=0.83; 95% CI=0.50, 1.38; p=0.47), and reoperation rate (OR=1.45; 95% CI=0.89, 2.35; p=0.13). Limitations. All 7 papers used for the meta-analysis were non-RCTs. Some differences (type of surgery (primary or revisional), treatment options before the operation, follow-up period, etc.) existed depending on the selected paper, and the sample size was small as well. Conclusion. While percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy showed better results than open lumbar microdiscectomy in some items, open lumbar microdiscectomy still showed good clinical results, and it is therefore reckoned that a randomized controlled trial with a large sample size would be required in the future to compare these two surgical methods.

Lumbar microdiscectomy in pediatric patients: a large single-institution series

2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin S. Cahill ◽  
Ian Dunn ◽  
Thorsteinn Gunnarsson ◽  
Mark R. Proctor
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Physical Examination ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Safe Procedure ◽  
Lumbar Microdiscectomy ◽  
The Mean

Object Lumbar disc herniation is a rare but significant cause of pain and disability in the pediatric population. Lumbar microdiscectomy, although routinely performed in adults, has not been described in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to determine the surgical results of lumbar microdiscectomy in the pediatric population by analyzing the experiences at Children's Hospital Boston over the past decade. Methods A series of 87 consecutive cases of lumbar microdiscectomy performed by the senior author (M.R.P.) from 1999 to 2008 were reviewed. Presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, and preoperative MR imaging findings were obtained from medical records. Immediate operative results were assessed including operative duration, blood loss, length of stay, and complications, along with long-term outcome and need for repeat surgery. Results This series represents the first surgical series of pediatric microdiscectomies. The mean patient age was 16.6 years (range 12–18 years) and 60% were female. The preoperative physical examination results were notable for motor deficits in 26% of patients, sensory changes in 41%, loss of deep tendon reflex in 22%, and a positive straight leg raise in 95%. Conservative management was the first line of treatment in all patients and the mean duration of symptoms until surgical treatment was 12.2 months. The mean operative time was 110 minutes and the mean postoperative length of stay was 1.3 days. Complications were rare: postoperative infection occurred in 1%, postoperative CSF leak in 1%, and new postoperative neurological deficits in 1%. Only 6% of patients needed repeat lumbar surgery and 1 patient ultimately required lumbar fusion. Conclusions The treatment of pediatric lumbar disc herniation with microdiscectomy is a safe procedure with low operative complications. Nuances of the presentation, treatment options, and surgery in the pediatric population are discussed.

scholarly journals Endoscopic Epidural Laser Decompression Versus Transforaminal Epiduroscopic Laser Annuloplasty for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective, Randomized Trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (20;7) ◽  
pp. 633-670
Author(s):  
Chang Hong Park
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Radicular Pain ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Lumbar Radicular Pain

Background: Lumbar radicular pain often results from lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or degenerative spondylolisthesis. Minimally invasive disc decompression procedures, such as nucleoannuloplasty or epiduroscopic neural decompression by laser, have been devised to treat such pain. Objective: The short-term outcomes of disc decompression by endoscopic epidural laser decompression (EELD) or transforaminal epiduroscopic laser annuloplasty (TELA) were compared in patients with lumbar radicular pain due to disc herniation. Study Design: A randomized, prospective trial. Setting: The Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at Spine Health Wooridul Hospital in Daegu, Korea. Methods: A total of 97 patients were enrolled in this study; 48 patients underwent EELD and 49 underwent TELA. The pain relief was evaluated at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-procedure via the numeric rating scale (NRS). The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was recorded at baseline and at the final follow-up. Postoperative wound pain was assessed over a 24-hour period. Complications and side effects were also recorded, as were operative times (from local anesthetic infiltration at entry sites to suturing of skin). Results: At post-treatment months 1, 3, and 6 the mean pain scores of patients were significantly lower (relative to pre-treatment baseline) regardless of the procedure used. However, the mean pain scores did not differ significantly by procedure (EELD vs TELA). As well, the number of patients who obtained relief from their pain and needed analgesics was not statistically significant. The irrigation volume was significantly higher in the TELA group. Two patients undergoing TELA procedures experienced headache during the procedures; however, no serious complications such as bleeding, dural/neural injuries, or infection were recorded for either group. Limitation: The observed significant reductions in pain (from baseline) lacked secondary outcome substantiation and given the mid follow-up period, no long-term follow-up results were monitored. Conclusion: Both EELD and TELA provide similar outcomes and are reasonable treatment options for carefully selected patients with lower back or radicular pain. Key words: Epiduroscopy, laser, annuloplasty, disc, herniation, TELA

scholarly journals 15-year survivorship analysis of an interspinous device in surgery for single-level lumbar disc herniation

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoon Joo Cho ◽  
Jong-Beom Park ◽  
Dong-Gune Chang ◽  
Hong Jin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Reoperation Rate ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Intermediate Step ◽  
Survivorship Analysis ◽  
Interspinous Device ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Interspinous devices have been introduced as alternatives to decompression or fusion in surgery for degenerative lumbar diseases. This study aimed to investigate 15-year survivorship and risk factors for reoperation of a Device for Intervertebral Assisted Motion (DIAM) in surgery for 1-level lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods A total of 94 patients (54 men and 40 women) underwent discectomy and DIAM implantation for 1-level LDH, with a mean follow-up of 12.9 years (range, 6.3–15.3 years). The mean age was 46.2 years (range, 21–65 years). Sixty-two patients underwent DIAM implantation for L4–5, 27 for L5–6, and 5 for L3–4. Reoperations due to any reason associated with DIAM implantation level or adjacent levels were defined as failure and used as the end point of determining survivorship. Results During the 15-year follow-up, 8 patients (4 men and 4 women) underwent reoperation due to recurrence of LDH at the DIAM implantation level, a reoperation rate of 8.5%. The mean time to reoperation was 6.5 years (range, 0.8–13.9 years). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a cumulative survival rate of the DIAM implantation of 97% at 5 years, 93% at 10 years, and 92% at 15 years after surgery; the cumulative reoperation rate of the DIAM implantation was 3% at 5 years, 7% at 10 years, and 8% at 15 years after surgery. Mean survival time was predicted to be 14.5 years (95% CI, 13.97–15.07). The log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model showed that age, sex, and location did not significantly affect the reoperation rate of DIAM implantation. Conclusions Our results showed that DIAM implantation significantly decreased reoperation rate for LDH in the 15-year survivorship analysis. We suggest that DIAM implantation could be considered a useful intermediate step procedure for LDH surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest follow-up study in which surgical outcomes of interspinous device surgery were reported.

scholarly journals Scoliosis may increase the risk of recurrence of lumbar disc herniation after microdiscectomy

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 586-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsuan-Kan Chang ◽  
Huang-Chou Chang ◽  
Jau-Ching Wu ◽  
Tsung-Hsi Tu ◽  
Li-Yu Fay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Exclusion Criterion ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Risk Of Recurrence ◽  
The Mean

OBJECT The aim of this paper was to investigate the risk of recurrence of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in patients with scoliosis who underwent microdiscectomy. METHODS A series of consecutive patients who underwent microdiscectomy for LDH was retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were young adults younger than 40 years who received microdiscectomy for symptomatic 1-level LDH. An exclusion criterion was any previous spinal surgery, including fusion or correction of scoliosis. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those with scoliosis and those without scoliosis. The demographic data in the 2 groups were similar. All medical records and clinical and radiological evaluations were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 58 patients who underwent 1-level microdiscectomy for LDH were analyzed. During the mean follow-up of 24.6 months, 6 patients (10.3%) experienced a recurrence of LDH with variable symptoms. The recurrence rate was significantly higher among the scoliosis group than the nonscoliosis group (33.3% vs 2.3%, p = 0.001). Furthermore, the recurrence-free interval in the scoliosis group was short. CONCLUSIONS Young adults (< 40 years) with uncorrected scoliosis are at higher risk of recurrent LDH after microdiscectomy.

scholarly journals Endoscopic lumbar discectomy using side viewing conical working tube

2021 ◽  
pp. 108-113
Author(s):  
Mohammad Kaif ◽  
Kuldeep Yadav ◽  
Rakesh Kumar ◽  
Deepak Kumar Singh
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Lumbar Disc Prolapse ◽  
Endoscopic Discectomy ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

Objective: The paradigm of surgical therapy for spinal disease especially for lumbar disc herniation has gradually shifted from traditional open surgeries to minimally invasive spinal surgeries. Endoscopic discectomy has been performed widely using various devices and techniques. In this study, we present our experience of endoscopic discectomy using a unique device with separate side viewing channel. Methods: 26 patients of lumbar disc herniation treated between March 2015 to April 2018 using the unique conical working tube with separate side-viewing endoscopic channel have been retrospectively analysed. Their preoperative and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Macnab scores were used to evaluate the outcome with a mean follow up of 37.04 months. Results: There were 18 males and 08 females with age ranging from 19-72 years (mean-38.4 years). The follow up ranged from 25 months to 60 months with a mean of 37.04 months. The mean preoperative ODI score was 72.4 which decreased to a mean of 7.6 and the outcome evaluated by Macnab criteria was 65.3% excellent, 19.2 % good, 11.5% fair, 3.8% poor. 1 patient underwent a second surgery. None of the patients had to change their occupation postoperatively. Complications occurred were dural tear in 1 patient and transient foot paresis in 1 which improved spontaneously. Conclusion: Endoscopic discectomy using conical working tube is a safe and effective technique for lumbar disc prolapse. The long term results are comparable to conventional techniques.

scholarly journals Intraoperative chymopapain in lumbar laminotomy for disc disease: a less invasive technique

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. E12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tord D. Alden ◽  
George J. Kaptain ◽  
John A. Jane ◽  
John A. Jane
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Pulposus ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Perioperative Period ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Lumbar Microdiscectomy

The use of chymopapain in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation has been widely studied since Smith first described its use in humans in 1963. The authors describe the use of chymopapain intraoperatively in open lumbar microdiscectomy in 63 patients. When combined with the results of a previous study performed at the same institution, the authors found that this technique significantly reduces the rate of recurrent disc herniation when compared with traditional laminotomy with discectomy. This procedure maximizes the benefits of each approach taken separately, allowing for decompression of the nerve root from a free fragment or sequestered disc and preventing recurrence through dissolution of the nucleus pulposus. Overall, outcome was good or excellent immediately postoperatively in 73% of the 63 patients and in 64% at last follow-up evaluation. Additionally, this procedure is safe with no complications noted in the immediate perioperative period or at follow-up evaluation.

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