The Outcome of Minimally Invasive Discectomy in Single Level Lumbar Disc Prolapse

Abstract Lumbar disc surgery in carefully selected patients who have failed conservative treatments can significantly improve quality of life. Minimally invasive treatment of lumbar disc herniation has been popularized in recent years. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of minimal invasive (loupe) discectomy among lumbar disc prolapse patients in Sulaimani. A prospective study carried out in Shar and Sulaimani Teaching hospitals in Sulaimani city for period from 1 st of February, 2013 to end of June, 2014 on sample of 30 patients with single level lumbar disc prolapse admitted to orthopedic units. The data were collected by the researcher through direct interview and filling a prepared questionnaire. The outcome of surgery was evaluated by comparing the symptoms (back pain, leg pain, and leg parathesia) and the muscle power grading (EHL & FHL) of the patients pre-and post-operatively. Mean age of studied patients was 39.1 ± 9.3 years. Males were more than females. Disc prolapse level was L4-L5 among 17 and L5-S1 among 13 patients. Studying the symptoms pre-and post-operatively, revealed significant decrease in leg pain, leg parathesia and back pain post-operatively (p < 0.001). Studying EHL & FHL power grading preand post-operatively, revealed significant increase in muscle power grades 4 and grade 5 postoperatively (p < 0.001). We concluded that minimal invasive discectomy is good and safe treatment option for lumbar disc prolapse