Comparison of Outcomes Between Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy and Open Lumbar Microdiscectomy for The Treatment of The Patient with Lumbar Disc Herniation

Abstract

Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a prevalent cause of lower back and leg pain, affecting a significant portion of the adult population globally. Surgical interventions, namely Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD) and Open Lumbar Microdiscectomy (OLM), are common therapeutic options. This study aims to compare the outcomes of these two techniques focusing on demographic factors, clinical assessments, and postoperative recovery metrics. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 70 patients diagnosed with LDH, who were divided into two groups based on the surgical technique: PELD (Group I, n=33) and OLM (Group II, n=37). Preoperative and postoperative evaluations included Motor and Sensory Examinations, Straight Leg Raise tests, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Pain and disability were quantified using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data analysis involved comparing improvements in VAS and ODI scores, duration of surgery, and the incidence of complications. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in VAS and ODI scores post-surgery. Moreover, Group I (PELD) reported more pronounced pain reduction and quicker recovery (p<0.05). The average operative time was shorter for Group I, indicating a more efficient surgical process. Conclusion: PELD and OLM are both effective for treating LDH, but PELD may offer advantages in terms of pain reduction, recovery time, and preservation of neurological function. These findings support the need for individualized surgical planning based on patient-specific demographic and clinical characteristics to optimize outcomes.