Treatment of extremely-lateral lumbar disc herniation with METRx through intertransversal route

摘要

Objective: To study the feasibility and effects of disc resection in patients with extremely-lateral disc herrniation (EIDH) with microendoscopic tubular retractor (METRx) through intertransversal route. Methods: In the period from March 2000 to December 2002, 9 patients with ELDH underwent disc resection with METRx system through intratransversal route and the clinical outcome was evaluated with Nakai standard. Results: The operation time ranged from 60 to 120 min with an average of 75 min; the blood loss ranged from 50 to 120 ml with an average of 60 ml; and the hospitalization time ranged from 5 to 19 d with an average of 13 d. No wound infection, neurological damages, pseudomeningocele or other complications occurred. The rate of excellent and good outcome was 88.9%. Conclusion: Disc removal in patients with ELDH can be done with METRx system and satisfactory results are obtained.