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Full-Endoscopic Isolation Zone Technique for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation
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Surgical experience of gas-containing disk herniation
Kyung-Chul Choi1, Jin-Sung Kim, Sang-Ho Lee
1Department of Neurosurgery, Wooridul Spine Hospital, Daegu, ROK.
Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|October 30, 2010
Summary
Gas-containing disk herniation (GCDH) is a rare cause of radiculopathy in older adults. Surgical removal of GCDH effectively relieved pain and showed no recurrence in this study.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Gas-containing disk herniation (GCDH) is a rare condition, often associated with the vacuum phenomenon.
- Epidural gas can present as a space-occupying lesion, potentially causing nerve root compression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical, radiologic, and surgical findings of patients with GCDH.
- To evaluate the efficacy of surgical intervention for GCDH-related radiculopathy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 18 patients diagnosed with lumbar GCDH.
- Review of demographic, clinical, and imaging data (CT and MRI).
- Examination of surgical methods and outcomes.
Main Results:
- The mean patient age was 64.4 years; all presented with acute radiculopathy or chronic pain exacerbation.
- All lumbar GCDHs were linked to the vacuum phenomenon, with gas predominantly compressing the nerve root.
- Post-surgery, visual analogue scale scores for radicular pain improved significantly (7.4 to 3.2).
Conclusions:
- GCDH can act as a space-occupying lesion and a direct cause of radiculopathy.
- GCDH is a significant indicator of clinical symptoms in degenerative spine disease, especially when combined with stenosis or multiple herniations.
- Surgical management of GCDH resulted in improved pain and no recurrence.
