[Open lumbar intervertebral disk operation. Technique and results]

Various operative techniques are available for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. The conventional lumbar discotomy is currently considered to be the standard procedure. Several large statistical studies have shown that the results in the majority of cases are very good and the complication rate is low if it is carried out correctly. A particular advantage of this technique is that almost all indications can be handled with a procedure that can be extended if necessary. Despite the availability of newer refined techniques (microdiscectomy or percutaneous procedures), the open lumbar discotomy still has an outstanding role in the management of lumbar disc herniation. Failure results more frequently from false indications or inadequate preoperative planning and less from technical variations.