Laparoscopic laser lumbar diskectomy: operative technique and case report

Approximately 300,000 patients each year in the United States undergo laminectomy for disabling lumbar disc herniation. Post-laminectomy hospitalization is 3-7 days and convalescence may be prolonged. As an alternative to laminectomy, we have developed a technique for performing L5-S1 lumbar diskectomy laparoscopically. Using an anterior approach, the intervertebral disc space is opened and the diskectomy is performed under direct videolaparoscopic imaging. After pneumoperitoneum is established, the patient is placed in a steep Trendelenburg position. The small bowel is retracted cephalad and the colon is moved to the left. The iliac vessels are identified visually and by Doppler probe, and the presacral space is dissected in the midline to expose the L5-S1 disc. In the case presented, the disc annulus was opened with the Nd:YAG contact laser, and diskectomy was performed under direct videolaparoscopic vision using standard neurosurgical instruments modified for laparoscopy. The posterior longitudinal ligament can be visualized directly to define the posterior limits of the completed diskectomy. In the case described, pain relief was confirmed immediately after the procedure. The patient was discharged after 2 hospital days, and returned to normal activity in 8 days.