Full-endoscopic interlaminar approach discectomy for central lumbar disc extrusion

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in the treatment of central lumbar disc extrusion via an interlaminar approach. Between January 2012 and January 2014, 27 low-back pain patients with radicular central lumbar disc herniations underwent percutaneous endoscopic discectomy through an interlaminar approach. The clinical follow-ups were performed at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year with an extensive postoperative questionnaire, including pain visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Mini-invasive operation was completed successfully in all patients. The mean operative duration was 41 (26-83) min and the average postoperative hospitalization time 5 (2-7) days. The postoperative median VAS and ODI scores significant decreased at all time-points. Twenty-five patients had no longer leg pain. But the recurrence rate of disc herniation stood at 7.4%. One patient undergo reoperation (microscopic discectomy) and another showed a significant relief in