Chymopapain versus conventional surgery for lumbar disc herniation. 10-year results of treatment.
We reviewed two comparable groups of patients who had been treated for lumbar disc herniation by chymopapain chemonucleolysis (145) or conventional surgical discectomy (91). They were reviewed 10 years after treatment by questionnaire, followed by a personal interview by an independent observer. The results of the surgically treated groups were slightly better than those treated with chymopapain. In particular, there was significantly better early relief of leg and low back pain, and fewer patients needed a second procedure. Complications were few in both groups.
Tregonning
G D
GD
St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Transfeldt
E E
EE
McCulloch
J A
JA
Macnab
I
I
Nachemson
A
A
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002917:Chymopapain / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017586:Diskectomy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007404:Intervertebral Disc Chemolysis; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014942:Workers' Compensation
D002917:Chymopapain