Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach for Lumbar Discectomy
Published on: September 8, 2023
[Intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy for far lateral lumbar disc herniation]
Shu-Wen Li1, He-Ping Yin, Zhen-Hua Cao
1Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China.
Objective:
To explore the clinical effect of intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy for far lateral lumbar disc herniation.
Methods:
From February 2005 to February 2010, 73 patients with far lateral lumbar disc herniation were treated with intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 41 males and 32 females, aged from 19 to 80 years old with an average of 56.5 years; courses of disease ranged from 1 to 25 months with an average of 4.5 months. The main symptom was low back pain and sciatica, especially the sciatica was seriously. Herniation level was in L3,4 of 9 cases, L4,5 of 49 cases, L5S1 of 15 cases. Preoperative, 2 weeks after operation, final follow-up, conditions of pain relief were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS); total life quality of patients were evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before operation and last follow-up.
Results:
All operations were performed successfully, operative time was from 40 to 115 min (mean of 50 min); and blood loss was from 50 to 150 ml (mean of 110 ml). Incision infection had 1 case and incomplete nerve root injury had 1 case. All patients were followed up from 3 to 8 years with an average of 4.5 years. Postoperative VAS and ODI had obviously improved (P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
The technique of intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy is a feasible and effective method for far lateral lumbar disc herniation.
Insights
Intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy effectively treats far lateral lumbar disc herniation. This minimally invasive technique significantly improves pain and quality of life for patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- Lumbar Disc Herniation
Context:
- Far lateral lumbar disc herniation presents unique surgical challenges.
- Traditional open discectomy may involve significant muscle disruption.
- Microendoscopic techniques offer a less invasive alternative.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy for far lateral lumbar disc herniation.
- To assess patient outcomes regarding pain relief and functional recovery.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of 73 patients with far lateral lumbar disc herniation treated via intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy was conducted.
- The procedure demonstrated successful outcomes with significant improvements in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores post-operation.
- Low complication rates, including one case of incision infection and one of incomplete nerve root injury, were reported.
Impact:
- The intertransverse approach microendoscopic discectomy is a feasible and effective surgical option for far lateral lumbar disc herniation.
- This minimally invasive approach leads to substantial patient recovery and improved quality of life.
- The findings support the adoption of this technique in clinical practice for selected patients.
