[Comparative study of disk surgery with or without microscopy. A prospective study of 80 cases]

The authors report a randomized prospective study of 80 patients operated for lumbar disc herniation. In one group of patients, the operator used a microscopic discectomy, in the other group, the surgery was performed through an interlaminar approach without microscopic magnification. All patients were operated on by the same surgeon. The results have been evaluated by a blind neurosurgeon after 12 to 18 months. 90% patients of the two groups have an excellent or a good outcome following the criteria of Mac Nab. There is no difference, regarding the outcome, between microscopic and non-microscopic removal of disc herniation. Using the microscope does not influence the operating time, the post operative inpatient stay and the time off-work. The authors conclude that the use of the microscope, can facilitate the operation and give a better visual comfort, but does not improve the final results.