title: Magnifying loupes versus microscope for microdiscectomy and microdecompression.
abstract: METHODS
  Consecutive case series of 51 patients in each group--single-surgeon experience.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Comparing magnifying loupes and microscopes for microdiscectomy and microdecompression.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Prospective peroperative data and retrospective outcome data.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients had unilateral single-level magnetic resonance imaging-proven radicular pain. All relevant preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative data were collected prospectively, including operating time, complications, and return to the preprolapse functional level. Retrospective patient satisfaction, employment level, workman's compensation claim status, smoking status, pain, and functional outcome scores were collected through a telephonic interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The microscope group was significantly (P < 0.05) better than the loupes group with respect to patient outcome and earlier return of the preprolapse functional level. Patient satisfaction scores, Visual Analogue Scores for pain, and rate of complications were also better in the microscope group but were not statistically significant at P < 0.05.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Microscopes are better than loupes as they provide a much better visualization, are more comfortable for the surgeon, and are a much better teaching tool.
authors.affiliation: Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, United Kingdom. kumar27uk@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Sathish Shanmugam
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Hani
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mourkus
authors.forename: Greville
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Farrar
authors.forename: Sunil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yellu
authors.forename: Rajendranath
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bommireddy
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007909:Lenses; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome