Clinical Results of Interlaminar Approach for Endoscopic Discectomy in the Herniated Lumbar Disc at L5-S1

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study of 57 patients was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic surgery by using interlaminar approach (ILA) in symptomatic lumbar disc herniation (LDH) at L5-S1. METHODS: Visual analogue pain score (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to assess the clinical outcome. All assessment was done on 1 day before the operation, 3 days, 3months and 12months after the operation. RESULTS: The mean preoperative back and leg VAS was decreased from 5.6+/-1.4, 8.5+/-1.7 to 1.8+/-1.2, 1.5+/-1.3 at 3 days, 1.2+/-1.1, 1.8+/-1.7 at 3 months, and 1.4+/-1.7, 1.6+/-1.3 at 12 months after the operation. Mean preoperative ODI score was improved from 46.8+/-22.4% to 17.7+/-11.6% at 3 days, 15.3+/-10.1% at 3 months, and 16.2+/-9.3% at 12 months after the operation. There were 2 cases of surgical failure due to dural tearing and calcified disc. One patient presented with transient paresthesia postoperatively. Two patients showed the recurrent disc herniation at the same level and same side, and underwent second open surgery. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that percutaneous endoscopic surgery by using ILA is an effective surgical modality for the selective cases of LDH at L5-S1.