Laparoscopic lumbar discectomy: case report

Laparoscopic lumbar discectomy is an extension of two accepted technologies, laparoscopy and percutaneous discectomy. A young male with an L5-S1 disc herniation had the anterior aspect of the lumbosacral disc exposed laparoscopically. The disc space was entered with a trephine under fluoroscopic and video control. The discectomy was carried out with curettes and rongeurs. Evoked potentials monitored continuously, reverted to normal with decompression of the S1 nerve root. This was accomplished in an outpatient setting with minimal use of oral narcotics.