Clinical analysis of microscopic removal of discal cyst.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical presentation and surgical outcome in patients with symptomatic discal cyst.


METHODS
The authors reviewed consequent 9 patients in whom microscopic excision of the discal cyst with or without additional discectomy for discal cyst from 2005 to 2012. Diagnostic imagings including simple radiographs, computed tomography with discogram and magnetic resonance images were performed in each case. The patients were reviewed to evaluate the clinical presentation, surgical outcome and related complications.


RESULTS
In all patients, discal cyst was located in the lumbar region and they presented with back pain and unilateral radiating pain. The preoperative magnetic resonance images (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan with discogram showed a connection between the cyst and the involved intervertebral disc. All patients obtained immediate relief of symptoms after microscopic excision of discal cyst. There were no recurrent lesions during follow-up period. The mean preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) was 7.8 when compared with 2.6 in preoperative assessment. All patients obtained excellent or good outcome according to modified MacNab's criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Discal cysts are rare lesions that can lead to back pain and refractory sciatica. Microscopic excision of the cyst can achieve remarkable improvement of symptoms.
Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
Eui Seok
ES
Wang
Department of Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
Chul Gab
CG
Lee
Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
Seok Won
SW
Kim
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
Yun Sung
YS
Kim
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
Dong Min
DM
Kim
Discal cyst; Excision; Microscope