Minimally invasive surgery for lumbar disc herniation is currently performed using intervertebral foraminoscopic techniques, with the advantages of small incisions and fast recovery; the disadvantages are that the nucleus pulposus removal may be incomplete and the cost is high.
In intervertebral foramenoscopy for herniated disc nucleus pulposus removal, the surgical incision is often only 1~2cm, resulting in faster healing and less damage to soft tissues such as muscles. Usually on the second day after the operation, patients can move around with a lumbar support and perform postoperative functional rehabilitation training such as lower limb muscle strength training.
However, the visualization of the surgical area by the intervertebral foramenoscope can only be observed through the lens, which may affect the integrity of the nucleus pulposus removal, and thus the chance of postoperative recurrence is higher than that of traditional open surgery. And the procedure is highly influenced by the surgical level of the operator. The cost is also higher than traditional surgery due to the use of a laminectomy.
When a patient needs surgery for a herniated lumbar disc, the choice of surgery should be based on the attending physician’s comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition and the choice of a more favorable treatment plan for the patient.