J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  2000 Mar;7(1):22-28.

Results of microscopic discectomy in lumbar disc herniation: A 5-years follow up

• Shim DM
• Kim SS
• Kim TG
• Song HH
• Choi SH

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was performed in an attempt to determine if there was any clnical benefit of microdiscectomy(MD) over standard discectomy(SD). They were all followed up by an impartial observer at 1 year and 5 years.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
All patients were operated on by the same surgeon by either method. We evaluate retrospectively 30 cases of microdiscectomy and 30 cases of standard discectomy using data derived from a questionnaire and chart review from January 1. 1988 to December 31. 1993. The operative results were analysed with Kim's criteria and that clinical results were statistically used to Paired two-tailed T test.
RESULTS
1) Mean operating time was about 117minutes in the standard discectomy, while 98 minutes in the microdiscectomy. 2) Mean time to return to work was about 9.6 weeks in the standard discectomy, while 5.9 weeks in the microdiscectomy, 3) In initial and 1 year follow up, microdiscectomy was superior to the standard discectomy but in 5 years follow up, the two procedures have a similar outcome.
CONCLUSION
The advantage of microdiscectomy was more safe than standard discectomy, because it was magnified vision and brilliant illumination, precise identification of structures in deep fields(including nerve root and its related structures), a marked advantage to dissect the adhere nerve root to its surroundings structures, its capacity to preserve the integrity of normal tissue, and meticulous hemostasis. From this analysis, we conclude that microdiscetomy represents a small but significant refinement of standard discectomy

Keyword

Microdiscectomy(MD); Standard discectomy(SD); Disc Herniation

MeSH Terms

Diskectomy*
Follow-Up Studies*
Hemostasis
Humans
Lighting
Surveys and Questionnaires
Retrospective Studies
Return to Work