Therapeutic Results of Chemonucleolysis in Patients with Herniated Lumbar Discs

We had experienced 60 cases of chemonucleolysis with Discase(R)(chymopapain for injection) under careful patient selection of herniated lumbar discs and had followed up thereafter at least 3 months since July, 1984. Therapeutic results were generally favorable, with 90% of patients achieving either excellent or good(satisfactory) results. Three patients only had poor or failure results. There was no major anaphylatic reaction and no serious neurologic complications. Back spasm and stiffness/soreness were the most frequently encountered complications.

A Clinical Study of Chemonucleolysis for Herniated Lumbar Discs

The authors analysed 522 patients treated with chymopapain for herniated lumbar discs from May 1984 to December 1985 at the Dept. Neurosurgery, Yongdong Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine. The data were obtained from a questionnaire and clinical records. The favorable indications for chemonucleolysis were under the following conditions ; 1) The patient's major complaint was leg pain than low back pain. 2) Marked limitation on straight leg raising test. 3) Spine CT scans showing soft bulging diec herniation without calcification or degenerative changes. The results were more favorable in the younger groups and the more limited straight leg raising group. The favorable results were obtained in 89.8%. In conclusion, our findings suggest that before surgical intervention, chemonucleolysis is a safe and effective nonsurgical method for treatment of herniated lumbar discs.