RESUMO
STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study analyzing early problems of open discectomy for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative problems developed within six weeks and their relationship with reoperation and prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hundred and ninty-four patients with intervertebral disc herniation, treated by open discectomy from April 1987 to December 1997, were assessed for intraoperative and postoperative problems. The problems were classified into three degrees : major, moderate and minor problem. when the problem was related to readmission, reoperation and prolonged admission for more than six weeks, it was classified as major problem. When the problem was related to prolongation of duration of admission for two to six weeks, it was classified as moderate problem. When the problem was not related to any prolongation of duration of admission, it was classified as minor one. RESULTS: Seven intraoperative and twenty-three postoperative problems were developed in twenty-seven patients. There were seven major problems : three recurrence of symptom and four suspicious deep infections. Nine moderate problems : six remained radiating pain, two serous discharge from operative wound and one urinary tract infection. and remained fourteen were minor problems : two recurrent symptom, two persistent pain, three serous discharge and seven intraoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The early major problems of open discectomy were recurrence of intervertebral disc herniation and deep infections. Problems with remainded radiating pain usually don't need reoperation and those symptoms were relieved with time goes. The prognosis was not influenced by minor problems.