Chemonucleolysis at Out-patient Clinic

ABSTRACT

The Chemonucleolysis at out-patient clinic(OPD) is a new option in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. The authors performed 39 cases of Chemonucleolysis with this method since Mar. 1992. All but 2 cases had excellent or good results without any complications. This OPD chemonucleolysis was thought to be a very useful method that gave various benefits to both of the patient and the hospital. To the patient, Socioeconomical and psychological benefits such as cost reduction and short hospital periods would be obtained. And to the hospital, Increasing outcome could be obtained by the improving hospital circulation of the patients who needed admission. For the best results, complete pre-operative evaluation and strict application of indication was essential. Proper home care guide was also needed because the home care was occasionally required from several days to a few months.