Endoscopic lumbar discectomy using side viewing conical working tube

Objective: The paradigm of surgical therapy for spinal disease especially for lumbar disc herniation has gradually shifted from traditional open surgeries to minimally invasive spinal surgeries. Endoscopic discectomy has been performed widely using various devices and techniques. In this study, we present our experience of endoscopic discectomy using a unique device with separate side viewing channel. Methods: 26 patients of lumbar disc herniation treated between March 2015 to April 2018 using the unique conical working tube with separate side-viewing endoscopic channel have been retrospectively analysed. Their preoperative and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Macnab scores were used to evaluate the outcome with a mean follow up of 37.04 months. Results: There were 18 males and 08 females with age ranging from 19-72 years (mean-38.4 years). The follow up ranged from 25 months to 60 months with a mean of 37.04 months. The mean preoperative ODI score was 72.4 which decreased to a mean of 7.6 and the outcome evaluated by Macnab criteria was 65.3% excellent, 19.2 % good, 11.5% fair, 3.8% poor. 1 patient underwent a second surgery. None of the patients had to change their occupation postoperatively. Complications occurred were dural tear in 1 patient and transient foot paresis in 1 which improved spontaneously. Conclusion: Endoscopic discectomy using conical working tube is a safe and effective technique for lumbar disc prolapse. The long term results are comparable to conventional techniques.