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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
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Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach for Lumbar Discectomy
Published on: September 8, 2023
Learning curve for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.
1Department of Neurosurgery, Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul, ROK.
Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|September 25, 2008
Summary
Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is effective for lumbar disc herniation. The learning curve for PELD appears stable and acceptable after initial training, with good long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a surgical option for soft lumbar disc herniation.
- The learning curve for PELD is often perceived as steep, posing a challenge for surgeons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the learning curve of a single surgeon performing PELD for single-level intracanalicular lumbar disc herniation.
- To evaluate the impact of experience on operating time, failure rates, complication rates, and long-term outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of the first 51 PELD cases for lumbar disc herniation.
- Patients divided into three groups (n=17 each) to analyze learning curve progression.
- Outcomes assessed included operating time, failure rate, complication rate, and 1-year reherniation and clinical success rates.
Main Results:
- Successful PELD in 47 patients; 4 required open discectomy.
- Two minor complications occurred.
- Significant reduction in operating time observed after 17 cases (p=0.0004).
- No significant differences in failure, complication, or 1-year reherniation/success rates between groups.
- 42 of 47 initially successful PELD cases achieved 1-year clinical success; 5 experienced reherniation.
Conclusions:
- The learning curve for PELD appears stable and acceptable with adequate pre-operative training.
- PELD demonstrates favorable long-term clinical success and reherniation rates for lumbar disc herniation.
