Endoscopic percutaneous lumbar discectomy

Background. The article introduces a new surgical approach to lumbar discopathy treatment, i.e. endoscopic percutaneus lumbar discectomy. It depicts the treatment technique, indications and clinic material. Material and methods. The general idea of endoscopic lumbar discectomy has been described, as well as the indications for the treatment and own clinic material consisting of 142 cases. The patients were treated at Orthopedic Ward in Praski Hospital in Warsaw between November 2003 – December 2005. Results. The results of the treatment were very positive and satisfactory. Our patients were able to go back to every day’s activity after total or significant reduction of back pain. Conclusions. Described technique is especially useful in the lumbar discopathy treatment. Its main advantages are: minimal invasion, short hospital treatment (2-3 days), fast recovery, low ratio of complications and low costs.