• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.477-486
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• 2020

Objectives : Due to recent developments and the wide application of percutaneous transforaminal discectomy (PTED) in China, we herein compare its clinical effects with microendoscopic discectomy (MED) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation in terms of recurrence and revision rates. Methods : Six databases, namely, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Ovid, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang, were searched by computer. The literature was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the quality of the included literature was evaluated. After extracting the data from the papers, Review Manager 5.2 software (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) was applied to analyze these data. Finally, sensitivity and publication bias analyses of the results were conducted. Results : A total of 12 studies consisting of 2400 patients were included in this meta-analysis. A comparison of PTED with MED revealed higher postoperative recurrence and postoperative revision rates for PTED (odds ratio [OR] recurrence, 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 2.53; p=0.05 and OR revision, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.18 to 2.64, p=0.006). Conclusion : PTED has a number of advantages because it is a minimally invasive surgery, but its recurrence and revision rates are higher than MED. Therefore, MED should not be completely replaced by PTED.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2000

Objective : Percutaneous lumbar approaches such as arthroscopic discectomy, laser discectomy, and nucleotome remain controversial and have technical limitations to free fragment disc, bony pathology and access to L5-S1, The purpose of this study was to determine efficacy of this new endoscopic system and to report techniques and tactics. Methods : From July 1997 to May 1998, we treated 40 consecutive patients(43 levels) with the MED system. Mean age was 32 years(range ; 18 to 62). There were 30 males and 10 females. All patients had sciatica with SLRT limitation. There were 23 patients with disc herniation at L4-5 and 14 patients at L5-S1. Three patients had 2 level disc herniations. There was one far lateral disc herniation at L4-5. Results : Using modified MacNab criteria, there were 37 excellent results and 3 good result. Most patients were discharged within 3-4 days except 2 patients with dural tearing. There were no other complications. Mean operation time was 1.5 hours(range : 40 minutes to 2.5 hours). Conclusion : The MED system is a reliable approach to lumbar disc herniations. This system combines the advantages of conventional open surgery and a minimally invasive technique. As tactics for the doctors who wish to attempt, "palpate" the lamina by first dilator, identification of interlaminar space by removal of overlying soft tissue and confirmation of the shoulder portion of nerve root before discectomy are important to this procedure. We conclude that lumbar disc herniations can be successfully treated with MED approach.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.245-250
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• 2007

Tubular retractor system as a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) technique has many advantages over other conventional MIS techniques. It offers direct visualization of the operative field, anatomical familiarity to spine surgeons, and minimizing tissue trauma. With technical advancement, many spinal pathologies are being treated using this system. Namely, herniated discs, lumbar and cervical stenosis, synovial cysts, lumbar instability, trauma, and even some intraspinal tumors have all been treated through tubular retractor system. Flexible arm and easy change of the tube direction are particularly useful in contralateral spinal decompression from an ipsilateral approach. Careful attention to surgical technique through narrow space will ensure that complications are minimized and will provide improved outcomes. However, understanding detailed anatomies and keeping precise surgical orientation are essential for this technique. Authors present the technical feasibility and initial results of use a tubular retractor system as a minimally invasive technique for variaties of spinal disorders with a review of literature.