The standard conventional operation for herniated lumbar disc has proved itself to be a effective method but, frequently it has provide some problems postoperatively, such as recurred low back pain and leg pain, recurred herniation of disc,
adhesion of
nerve root etc. Every neurosurgeon knows strict selection of patient and minimal surgical trauma are prerequisite to successful operative results.
The application of microsurgical technique to herniated lumbar disc gives clues in solving the above problems. The microscope does not only magnify the operative field, but also create optimal light condition. Magnified vision and brilliant
illumination
have allowed neurosurgeons to refine many standard operations and devise new ones. Small skin incisions, less soft tissue and muscle damage, meticulous hemostasis on the epidural vein, prefect preservation of epidural fat around the nerve root
and
precise removal of herniated disc are the contributions of microsurgery.
The author performed 23 cases of microsurgical lumbar disecectomy and analysed the surgical outcome. The results were good to excellent in 95% of the patients and average duration of hospital stay was 10.5 days. One case of suspicious discitis
and
1
case of dura injury were notified. But there was not a case of recurrence.
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