Complications associated with cervical endoscopic discectomy with the holmium laser.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to determine the rate of surgical complications associated with cervical endoscopic discectomy (CED).


BACKGROUND
There are no studies that state the degree of complications after CED.


METHODS
Forty-one patients underwent CED with holmium laser.


RESULTS
Two out of 41 patients incurred vascular compromise during the procedure. One patient developed recurrent laryngeal nerve damage. One patient developed discitis, and two patients complained of a "clicking" sensation postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Although CED has a relatively high success rate, there is a 15% rate of complications associated with the procedure. Most of the complications were minor (such as vascular compromise, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and postoperative "clicking" sensations), but there was one case of severe discitis, and there is the potential of serious complication from both vascular compromise and neural injury.
Haufe
Scott M W
SM
Pain Management and Anesthesiology, MicroSpine, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435, USA.
Mork
Anthony R
AR
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000601:surgery*