Microlumbar discectomy. Is it safe as an outpatient procedure?
METHODS
This study examines the long-term follow up and satisfaction level of patients who underwent microlumbar discectomy as an outpatient procedure.


OBJECTIVE
To confirm that microdiscectomy on an outpatient basis is safe, cost effective, and allows for rapid recovery.


BACKGROUND
In 1985, the author performed the first outpatient microlumbar discectomy, the first to be reported in the literature.


METHODS
From 1985 to 1989, 103 patients underwent microlumbar discectomy. General anesthesia was used, and the microlumbar discectomy technique was mostly consistent with the William and Casper principles. The microlumbar discectomy was performed through a 1-inch incision with minimal or no bone removal. Patients were discharged a few hours after the procedure.


RESULTS
All 103 patients were given questionnaires pertaining to their recovery, which averaged 34.6 months. Eighty-three responded. Of those, 73 (88%) reported excellent and good results. All but four patients (4.8%) were satisfied.


CONCLUSIONS
Microlumbar discectomy is safe and cost effective when performed as an outpatient procedure. It produces immediate improvement in all patients, and allows early return to jobs and regular activities.
Zahrawi
F
F
Cleveland Orthopedic Center, Willoughby, Ohio.
D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012449:Safety; D013997:Time Factors