To observe the pain relief and short-term results of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for single-segment lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in the lower lumbar spine. METHODS: PELD was used to treat 15 patients with single-segment LDH. The numerical pain score (NRS) for sciatica was performed 1 day before surgery, 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks after surgery, and the Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) questionnaire was performed 1 day before surgery and 12 weeks after surgery, respectively. RESULTS: NRS scores for sciatica were significantly lower at all postoperative time points compared to 1 day preoperatively, NRS pain scores were significantly lower at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively compared to 2 weeks postoperatively, and there was no significant difference in NRS pain scores at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. ODI scores at 12 weeks postoperatively were significantly lower than ODI scores at 1 day preoperatively. CONCLUSION: The short-term results of PELD for single-segment LDH of the lower lumbar spine were satisfactory, with significant improvement in postoperative sciatica and lumbar spine function.