Comparative evaluation of percutaneous endoscopic and microsurgical lumbar discectomy

The results of percutaneous endoscopic and microsurgical discectomy have been compared. It was established that the operative intervention time, bed-day medians and disability period were significantly shorter (p0,001) in the percutaneous endoscopy group. The average effective dose of radiation exposure for a patient during transforaminal endoscopy was 4,4 mSv, for interlaminar endoscopic techniques and microsurgery - 0,8 mSv. The proportions of complications and repeated operations in both groups were comparable. The risk of recurrence was 10% for the endoscopic group, 4,8% for the microsurgical group. Significant differences in terms of local and radicular pain, quality of life and the physical component of health have not been established. The mental component of health was the best in the endoscopic group. Good and excellent results on the MacNab treatment satisfaction scale in the endoscopy group were observed in 78,2% of cases, after microdiscectomy - in84,9%. Lower invasiveness of percutaneous endoscopy affected the reduction in the period of hospitalization and disability. The effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic discectomy methods was comparable to standard microsurgical techniques. A statistically insignificant increase in the risk of hernia recurrence after percutaneous endoscopic discectomy was noted. Infectious complications were not typical for percutaneous endoscopic discectomy. Differences in the frequency of complications and reoperations between percutaneous endoscopic and microsurgical lumbar discectomy are also not confirmed.