Objective
Minimally invasive methods for lumbar discectomy are gaining popularity among surgeons' practice and patients' demands, and outcomes after such procedures have shown results comparable to conventional open discectomies. In this study, a group of patients were studied for outcomes after microscopic lumbar discectomy (MLD) with ligamentum flavum preservation.
Patients and methods
Thirty-four patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation resistant to conservative treatment underwent MLD for excision of herniated disc fragments, in addition to nerve root and dural exploration and decompression.
Results
The majority of patients experienced early relief of radicular leg pain and heaviness within 48 h of surgery. Parasthesias resolved 5–8 weeks after surgery. Early follow-up visits showed partial recovery of neural deficits and minor back-pain complaints. Recurrent and residual back-pain and leg pain occurred in six patients.
Conclusion
MLD is an effective and safe procedure that offers a minimally invasive solution for herniated lumbar discs resistant to medical treatment, with better surgical outcomes and faster return to normal activity.