Microlumbar discectomy. Is it safe as an outpatient procedure?

Abstract

This study examines the long-term follow up and satisfaction level of patients who underwent microlumbar discectomy as an outpatient procedure. To confirm that microdiscectomy on an outpatient basis is safe, cost effective, and allows for rapid recovery. In 1985, the author performed the first outpatient microlumbar discectomy, the first to be reported in the literature. 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. 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. 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.