STITCHLESS Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy: Are We Moving Towards Day Care Discectomy Procedure?

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Background:

• Soft cervical disc herniation with unilateral radiculopathy presents a significant clinical challenge.
• Traditional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) involves risks, longer recovery, and fusion-related complications.
• Percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD) offers a minimally invasive alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stitchless percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (sPECD) for soft cervical disc herniation.
• To assess patient outcomes in terms of pain and functional recovery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study included twenty patients undergoing sPECD for soft cervical disc herniation and unilateral radiculopathy.
• The procedure involved direct visualization and removal of the herniated fragment under endoscopic guidance.
• Patients were followed for at least 6 months, with outcomes assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI).

Main Results:

• All patients experienced significant pain relief (VAS) and functional improvement (NDI).
• Minor, transient complications were observed in two patients (cough, hoarseness) which resolved without intervention.
• No major complications were reported during the study period.

Conclusions:

• sPECD is a safe and effective treatment for soft cervical disc herniation, performed under local anesthesia.
• Benefits include a smaller incision, reduced hospitalization, fewer complications, and preservation of cervical spine motion.
• Avoidance of fusion and hardware-related risks makes sPECD a favorable option, preventing adjacent segment degeneration.