Microscopic lumbar herniectomy: our experience

Based on the criteria proposed by Andrews the authors evaluate the results obtained in the first 87 patients submitted to herniectomy with the help of a microscope to treat lumbar disc herniation. The patients were followed-up 1-3 months after surgery, and long-term follow-up was also obtained, after a mean of 29 months. Results were judged to be satisfactory in 92% of the cases (80 patients) at the first follow-up, while they were satisfactory in 94% of the cases (82 patients) at successive follow-ups. There was recurrence of disc herniation after 2 weeks which was resolved by revision surgery using microsurgical technique. Complications included laceration of the dura. The method proposed which is particularly widespread in neurosurgery is not considered to be revolutionary, rather it is a refinement, aided by progress in image diagnostics, of traditional surgery, of which it maintains the basic principles. Thus, without losing reliability and effectiveness, and with maximum respect for anatomy, it allows for excellent postoperative management.