Micro- or macrodiscotomy for open lumbar disc surgery?

Abstract

Though many conservative and intradiscal therapies for lumbar disc herniation have been developed, open disc surgery is still necessary. To prevent postoperative epidural scar formation, which is responsible for postdiscotomy syndrome (failed back syndrome), a small approach is recommended. Microdiscotomy requires special instrumentation and training for the surgeon, otherwise problems occur such as exploration at the wrong level and dural tears. Surgeons should always use the procedure they are familiar with.