Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

01:24
Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach for Lumbar Discectomy
Published on: September 8, 2023
Symptomatic post-discectomy pseudocyst after endoscopic lumbar discectomy.
Suk Hyung Kang1, Seung Won Park
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Yong-San hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
|April 16, 2011
Summary
Symptomatic postdiscectomy pseudocysts (PP) occurred in 1.0% of endoscopic lumbar discectomy cases. Both surgical and conservative treatments showed similar outcomes for PP, but the interlaminar approach may increase PP risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Postdiscectomy pseudocyst (PP) is a potential complication following lumbar discectomy.
- Endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique.
- Understanding the incidence and management of PP is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of symptomatic postdiscectomy pseudocyst (PP) after endoscopic lumbar discectomy.
- To compare the efficacy of surgical versus conservative management for symptomatic PP.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 1,503 endoscopic lumbar discectomy cases was conducted.
- Postoperative MRI scans were used to identify pseudocysts (PP).
- Patients with symptomatic PP were divided into surgical and conservative management groups, with outcomes assessed using VAS and ODI.
Main Results:
- Symptomatic PP was detected in 1.0% (15/1,503) of cases, with a mean detection interval of 53.7 days post-surgery.
- The interlaminar approach was significantly correlated with PP formation compared to the transforaminal approach (p=0.001).
- Both surgical and conservative management groups showed improvements in pain and disability scores, with no significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Symptomatic postdiscectomy pseudocysts occur in approximately 1% of patients following endoscopic lumbar discectomy.
- The interlaminar surgical approach may be associated with a higher risk of PP formation.
- Surgical and conservative management strategies yield comparable outcomes for symptomatic PP.
Related Concept Videos
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
