Initial experience and analysis of outcomes using the visualized percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy technique for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation

AIM:To introduce a visual surgical concept using a retrospective comparison of the outcomes between visualized percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (V-PELD) and conventional PELD techniques. MATERIAL and METHODS:Data from 61 patients in the conventional PELD group and 55 in the V-PELD group.Data included the duration of the operation, number of intraoperative radiation exposure events, and follow-up information for 24 months.The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were collected. RESULTS:The mean (± SD) operating time for the V-PELD group was 57.82 ± 11.25 min, and the mean duration of radiation exposure was 0.74 ± 0.32 min.The mean operating time for the conventional group was 63.16 ± 14.49 min (p<0.05),and the mean duration of radiation exposure was 2.81 ± 1.12 min (p<0.001).All patients in both groups demonstrated significant improvement in the ODI and VAS scores after surgery (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: V-PELD is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves less radiation exposure and is more efficient for treating lumbar disc herniation.