"Whole body" stereotaxy: application of stereotactic endoscopy to operations of herniated lumbar discs

In order to minimize surgical trauma of operations for lumbar disc prolapses, a modified Laitinen's stereotactic frame was utilized in nine patients. Stereotactic localization of the lesion could be done accurately in all cases. Percutaneous prolapsectomy and nucleotomy was performed successfully in three patients as a blind stereotactic procedure, whereas in the remaining six cases a microsurgical or conventional operation was needed to accomplish the removal of the prolapse or the discal mass. Application of the endoscopic technique to lumbar disc operations is anticipated to make the percutaneous stereotactic prolapsectomy and nucleotomy a rational alternative to contemporary more invasive procedures.