Survey research of patient's preference on choosing microscopic or endoscopic spine surgery for lumbar discectomy

There are several surgical methods of lumbar discectomy which provide the similar clinical outcomes. There is no clear evidence for how to select the procedures. To better understand the patient's opinion and decision process in the selection of surgical methods between microscopic lumbar discectomy (MLD) and endoscopic lumbar discectomy (ELD).

A cross-sectional survey study. Summary information sheet was created by reviewing the comparative literatures, and tested for quality and bias. Participants read the summary information sheet then were asked to complete the anonymous questionnaire.

Seventy-six patients (71%) of patients who had no experience in lumbar discectomy selected ELD while 31 patients (29%) selected MLD. There were significant differences of score between patients who selected MLD and ELD in this group for wound size, anesthetic method, operative time, blood loss and length of stay (P< 0.05). In patients who had experience in discectomy group, 22 patients (76%) who underwent MLD still selected MLD if they could select surgical methods again for themselves, while 24 patients (96%) who underwent ELD still selected ELD if they could select again. The most important factor in patients who selected MLD was outcomes of treatment. The most important factor in patients who selected ELD was wound size. There were significant differences of scores between patients who selected MLD and ELD in this group for wound size, anesthetic method, operative time, complication, cost and length of stay (P< 0.05).

About two thirds of the participants preferred ELD after reading the summary evidence information. The most important factor in MLD group was outcomes of treatment while the most important factor in ELD group was wound size.