Lumbar interlaminar microdiscectomy

ABSTRACT

The primary rationale lor surgery for disc prolapse is to relieve nerve root irritation or compression due to herniaied disc material. From 1997 to 1999; a total of 47 patients had microdiscectomy through an interlaminar approach for lumbar disc herniation, 27 men and 20 women, had a mean age of 42 years. The procedure was performed under surgical microscope. Clinical outcome and patient satisfaction were assessed at an average follow-up of 12.5 months. The results showed 83% excellent, 13% good, 2% fair, and 2% poor outcome. Microsurgical discectomy has significant shorter operative time [p =0.001] and significant reduction in back and leg pain [p =0.0001]. There were also a significant improvement of function, spinal range of motion, tension signs and sensation [p=0,0001], Although the rate of satisfactory outcomes was approximately the same in both microscopic discectomy and the standard procedure mentioned in previous literatures, microdiscectomy had a shorter duration of postoperative disability and used medications. The use of the microscope can facilitate the operation and give a better visual comfort. Moreover, the surgeon must be familiar with this technique and must have received training in its use