Midline Posterior Microendoscopic Discectomy. Is it the Future Procedure of Choice?

This is prospective study of 20 cases with solitary unilateral lumbar and lumbosacral disc prolapse were managed in Al- Azhar University Hospital, Ain Shams University Hospital and Al-Sahel Teaching Hospital from January 2005 to January 2007. All the cases were operated by posterior midline microendoscopic discectomy procedure, utilizing microendoscopic tubular retractor system (METR x) and Destandeau method. The postoperative clinical outcome was assessed according the MacNab s criteria. We assessed the factors which affect the outcome including the age, the value of clinical evaluation, pre operative MRI, degree of disc prolapse and duration of symptoms. Complication in the form of dural tear, discitis an superficial wound infection were recorded. We compare the result of our study to those reported in literature and the result of open microdiscectomy. Endoscopic lumbar discectomy is considered an alterative option of traditional open discectomy in appropriately well trained and experienced hands for appropriately selected patients.