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Pyogenic spondylodiscitis after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy
Kyeong-Bo Choi1, Choon-Dae Lee, Sang-Ho Lee
1Department of Neurosurgery, Busan Wooridul Spine Hospital, Busan, Korea.
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
|February 3, 2011
Summary
Pyogenic spondylodiscitis can occur after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). Early diagnosis and management, whether conservative or surgical, led to successful infection resolution and spinal fusion in all reviewed cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a minimally invasive surgical technique for treating lumbar disc herniation.
- While generally safe and effective, potential complications such as post-operative infection require careful consideration.
Observation:
- This study reviewed nine cases of pyogenic spondylodiscitis occurring after PELD.
- Microbiologic cultures identified six distinct causative organisms across the cases.
- Patient management varied, with five cases treated conservatively and four requiring surgical intervention.
Findings:
- All nine patients achieved successful resolution of infection.
- Radiological evidence confirmed spinal fusion in all cases.
- The mean follow-up period was 20.6 months, with an average hospitalization of 24 days.
Implications:
- Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is a potential, albeit rare, complication following PELD.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for favorable patient outcomes.
- Continued vigilance for infection is warranted despite the overall safety profile of PELD.
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