Minimally invasive removal of a recurrent lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus by the small incised microendoscopic discectomy interlaminar approach

In this report, we introduce two cases of recurrent herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) at L5-S1 that were successfully removed using the small incised microendoscopic discectomy (sMED) technique, proposed by Dezawa and Sairyo in 2011. sMED was performed via the interlaminar approach with a percutaneous endoscope. The patients had previously underdone microendoscopic discectomy for HNP. For the recurrent HNP, the sMED interlaminar approach was selected because the HNP occurred at the level of L5-S1; the percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal approach was not possible for anatomical reasons. To perform sMED via the interlaminar approach, we employed new, specially made devices to enable us to use this technique. In conclusion, sMED is the most minimally invasive approach available for HNP, and its limitations have been gradually eliminated with the introduction specially made devices. In the near future, percutaneous endoscopic surgery could be the gold standard for minimally invasive disc surgery.     

Minimally invasive and simultaneous removal of herniated intracanal and extracanal lumbar nucleus pulposus with a percutaneous spinal endoscope

Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) in the lumbar spine is usually found in the neural canal (in the intracanal space) and occasionally in the extracanal space, where it is known as a lateral HNP. HNP is rarely found simultaneously in both spaces. However, we experienced such a case in a 48‐year‐old man who presented with right leg pain and lower back pain that had lasted for more than a year. MRI revealed HNP in both the right intracanal and extracanal spaces at L2‐L3. A transforaminal approach was used to complete a percutaneous endoscopic discectomy. An 8‐mm incision was made with the patient under local anesthesia, and the percutaneous endoscope was inserted at the affected disc space. First, the HNP fragments in the intracanal space were removed, and then the cannula and endoscope were extracted to the extracanal space where the extracanal fragments were removed. Two hours after the surgery, the patient stood and walked. Right leg pain and lower back pain had disappeared. Unlike other techniques such as Love's procedure and the microendoscopic discectomy technique, the use of a transforaminal approach with the percutaneous endoscopic technique enables the HNP fragments in the intracanal and extracanal spaces to be removed at the same time with a single approach.     

Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal approach to decompress the lateral recess in an elderly patient with spinal canal stenosis,herniated nucleus pulposus and pulmonary comorbidities

A 70‐year‐old man with severe pulmonary comorbidities was referred to our institution for treatment of a right L5 nerve impingement. He had suffered from spinal canal stenosis and herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) at the level of L4‐L5 for more than a year and had been treated conservatively. However, the pain could not be alleviated, and his primary care physician scheduled posterior decompression surgery. During this procedure, the anesthesiologist refused to induce general anesthesia because of the patient's very poor pulmonary condition. Subsequently, the patient was referred to us. We used a transforaminal approach with percutaneous endoscopic discectomy, with the patient under local anesthesia. First, herniated nucleus pulposus fragments at the disc level were removed. With a trephine drill, the upper part of the L5 pedicle was removed, which allowed for the extraction of dorsally migrated fragments. Following complete removal of the herniated nucleus pulposus fragments, osseous decompression was performed. The osseous endplate of L5 (anterior part of the lateral recess) was removed to enlarge the lateral recess so that decompression of the L5 nerve root was possible. The patient's lower back pain and right leg pain subsided following surgery. Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy is useful for patients with severe comorbidities as it can be done with local anesthesia.     

Endoscopic removal of herniated nucleus pulposus migrated dorsally to the dural sac

A herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) migrated dorsally to the dural sac is a rare condition. Here, we present a case, in which the HNP was removed with minimally invasive spinal endoscopy. A 54-year-old man presented complaining of left leg pain and paresis. Neurologic findings and an MRI suggested an epidural tumor or a dorsally migrated HNP compressing the S1 nerve root and dural sac. With a spinal endoscope, careful laminotomy of caudal L5 and cranial S1 was made. En bloc flavectomy exposed a mass covered with a thin capsule. The mass was identified as a dorsally migrated HNP. After complete HNP fragment removal, the dural sac and S1 nerve root were decompressed. Immediately postoperative, the leg pain subsided and motor function normalized, although the patient complained of numbness at the S1 dermatome area. In summary, a large HNP that had migrated dorsally to the dural sac was successfully removed endoscopically.     

Postoperative discal cyst: An unusual complication after microendoscopic discectomy in teenagers

Various complications after microendoscopic discectomy (MED) are well known, but postoperative discal cyst is a unique and relatively unknown complication. Here, we report on two teenage patients who presented with postoperative discal cyst after MED for herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), which resolved after conservative treatment. The patients were diagnosed with HNP at L4‐5 and L5‐S1 based on MRI and then treated by MED. Postoperative discal cyst was diagnosed on MRI after recurrence of symptoms. Both patients were managed conservatively. T2‐weighted MRI demonstrated hyperintense collections adjacent to the operated intervertebral disc level, which were communicating with the corresponding disc annulus. Because the clinical symptoms were relatively mild, the patients were managed conservatively; both made a complete clinical recovery with radiological evidence of improvement. Postoperative discal cyst is a relatively unknown complication after MED for HNP. Surgeons should be aware of this postoperative complication when operating on young individuals with HNP.     

椎间盘突出临近退变节段是否导致腰痛

背景:椎间盘突出症患者腰痛原因很难判断,一直以来,认为突出的椎间盘是椎间盘突出症患者腰痛及腿痛重要原因,椎间盘突出临近退变节段是否导致腰痛需进一步研究证实.目的:通过椎间盘造影判断突出临近退变节段是否是椎间盘突出症患者腰痛原因,并报告经椎间盘镜摘除椎间盘后残留腰痛在临近退变疼痛椎间盘经亚甲蓝注射治疗的效果.方法:20例同时具有腰痛和腿痛椎间盘突出症患者行椎间盘造影检查,这些患者腰椎MRI表现为有1个突出椎间盘外至少合并1个或1个以上的临近退变的椎间盘,全部患者均经椎间盘镜摘除椎间盘切除突出的椎间盘,5例临近退变椎间盘造影阳性患者在椎间盘镜切除后经椎间盘内注射亚甲蓝治疗.腰痛、腿痛采用目测类比评分评定.结果与结论:20例患者总共64个椎间盘行椎间盘造影,共11个椎间盘造影阳性,其中6个位于椎间盘突出临近退变节段,5个位于引起神经根性痛的椎间盘突出节段.全部病例腿痛行椎间盘镜切除突出椎间盘后明显缓解,腰痛有部分缓解,6例临近椎间盘造影阳性患者经椎间盘镜摘除椎间盘后腰痛明显,影响日常生活,其中5例行临近疼痛椎间盘亚甲蓝注射后腰痛缓解,1例患者拒绝亚甲蓝注射治疗仍有明显腰痛.结果显示椎间盘突出症患者腰痛可能来源于突出临近退变节段.     

椎间盘突出临近退变节段是否导致腰痛

背景：椎间盘突出症患者腰痛原因很难判断,一直以来,认为突出的椎间盘是椎间盘突出症患者腰痛及腿痛重要原因,椎间盘突出临近退变节段是否导致腰痛需进一步研究证实。目的：通过椎间盘造影判断突出临近退变节段是否是椎间盘突出症患者腰痛原因,并报告经椎间盘镜摘除椎间盘后残留腰痛在临近退变疼痛椎间盘经亚甲蓝注射治疗的效果。方法：20例同时具有腰痛和腿痛椎间盘突出症患者行椎间盘造影检查,这些患者腰椎MRI表现为有1个突出椎间盘外至少合并1个或1个以上的临近退变的椎间盘,全部患者均经椎间盘镜摘除椎间盘切除突出的椎间盘,5例临近退变椎间盘造影阳性患者在椎间盘镜切除后经椎间盘内注射亚甲蓝治疗。腰痛、腿痛采用目测类比评分评定。结果与结论：20例患者总共64个椎间盘行椎间盘造影,共11个椎间盘造影阳性,其中6个位于椎间盘突出临近退变节段,5个位于引起神经根性痛的椎间盘突出节段。全部病例腿痛行椎间盘镜切除突出椎间盘后明显缓解,腰痛有部分缓解,6例临近椎间盘造影阳性患者经椎间盘镜摘除椎间盘后腰痛明显,影响日常生活,其中5例行临近疼痛椎间盘亚甲蓝注射后腰痛缓解,1例患者拒绝亚甲蓝注射治疗仍有明显腰痛。结果显示椎间盘突出症患者腰痛可能来源于突出临近退变节段。     

显微内窥镜下行腰椎间盘手术治疗的疗效探讨

目的总结后路显微内窥镜下椎间盘切除术（MED）治疗腰椎间盘突出症疗效,探索其操作要领。方法2002年6月至2006年10月对66例腰椎间盘突出患者采用MED治疗,术中用C臂X线定位,建立工作通道,在显微内窥镜下切除部分椎板、黄韧带及少量关节突内缘,牵开硬膜与神经根,显露突出的纤维环和髓核、切除髓核。减压神经根管,松解神经根。采用MacNab腰椎评价标准评价疗效。结果患者术后平均3d下地活动,平均住院时间8d。平均17d生活自理,5周恢复工作。平均随防时间32个月,优41例（62．1％）,良23例（34．8％）,优良率97．0％。硬脊膜破裂2例,神经根挫伤1例。结论后路MED手术创伤小,术后卧床时间短,恢复快,可取得与开窗手术相近的疗效。不影响腰椎的稳定性,但需不断学习,掌握其要点才能熟练操作。     

Familial incidence of intervertebral disc herniation: an hypothesis suggesting that laminectomy and discectomy may be counterproductive

OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) if familial and genetic factors play a role in the genesis of disc herniation, (2) the incidence of multiple disc herniations, (3) the incidence of disc reherniation in patients treated with standard laminectomy and discectomy, and (4) to construct a hypothesis that best explains all three. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: It is known that there is a substantial incidence of disc herniation in first order relatives of patients with herniated nucleus pulposa (HNP), that multiple disc herniations are not uncommon, and that disc reherniations and repeat operations after laminectomy and discectomy range from 5 to 37%. Also, there is a recent report of a genetic defect leading to defective cross-linkage of collagen strands in patients with HNP. METHODS: Using the questionnaire method, a group of the author's patients with documented HNP treated with percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) was surveyed as to the existence of known disc herniations among first order relatives. Analysis of the author's series of 621 patients with HNP disclosed the incidence of multiple disc herniations. A comprehensive literature search provided data on reherniations and reoperations following laminectomy and discectomy. RESULTS: In 174 respondents, the number with first order relatives who had HNP was 74 (or 43%). This compares with the national incidence of HNP of 1.7%. The statistical significance yields a P = 0.0001. In the 621 patients with known HNP, the number who had more than one herniated disc was 236 (or 38%). In multiple reports in the literature, the incidence of reherniation after laminectomy and discectomy ranged from 5 to 37%. CONCLUSIONS: The simplest hypothesis explaining all of the above is that intervertebral disc herniation is due to an acute or subacute increase of intradiscal pressure acting against a congenitally weak anulus fibrosus and posterior longitudinal ligament, and therefore laminectomy and discectomy, by further weakening these structures, may be counterproductive.     

腰_5～骶_1椎间盘突出的经皮摘除术

本文报道307例腰5～骶1间盘突出症的经皮穿刺摘除术。为克服腰2～骶1水平穿刺困难，采用髂骨翼钻孔途径，使间盘切割器能安全到达腰5～骶1而行间盘摘除术，本组成功率为99．3％，治疗有效率为92.5％。除1例间盘感染外，无其他严重并发症。     

椎间盘镜与开放手术治疗腰椎间盘突出症的对比研究

目的比较椎间盘镜和椎板开窗髓核摘除术治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效和安全性。方法回顾性分析80例单节段腰椎间盘突出症患者的病历资料,采用椎间盘镜治疗者42例(治疗组),采用椎板开窗髓核摘除术治疗者38例(对照组)。比较两组患者的切口长度、手术时间、出血量、术后12个月随访时采用Nakai分级标准评定的临床疗效及随访期间并发症的发生率。结果治疗组切口长度、手术时间及术中出血量均小于对照组(P0.05)。两组患者临床疗效比较,差异无统计学意义(Z=-0.696,P=0.486)。两组患者切口均甲级愈合,未发生神经根损伤、椎间隙感染及硬膜外血肿等并发症。结论椎间盘镜手术和椎板开窗髓核摘除术治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效和安全性相当,但前者具有切口小、手术时间短及出血少的优势。     

显微镜与显微内窥镜系统治疗椎间盘突出症的Meta分析

背景：显微椎间盘切除与显微内窥镜下椎间盘切除是两种安全有效的椎间盘手术方式,目前关于两种显微技术间的比较研究较少,各研究得出的结论不太一致。目的：通过Meta分析比较显微椎间盘切除与显微内窥镜下椎间盘切除治疗椎间盘突出症的安全性和有效性。方法：检索Cochrane Library、PubMed、CNKI、VIP、Web of Science、万方等数据库,时间限制均为建库到2013年11月;并手工检索相关杂志,收集显微椎间盘切除和显微内窥镜下椎间盘切除治疗腰椎间盘突出症的随机对照试验,对纳入研究按RevMan 5.2软件内条目进行质量评价,进行Meta分析。结果与结论：共纳入5个随机对照试验,共1430例患者。Meta分析结果显示：在住院时间[MD=-0.19（-0.43,0.05）,P=0.13]、Oswestry 功能障碍指数改善率[MD=2.78（-0.15,5.72）,P=0.06]、目测类比评分改善率[MD=1.96（-0.29,4.21）,P=0.09]、神经根损伤方面[RR=0.20（0.03,1.12）,P=0.07],两种治疗方式差异无显著性意义。与显微内窥镜下椎间盘切除相比,显微椎间盘切除手术时间短[MD=-10.13（-14.06,-6.21）, P〈0.00001],术中出血量少[MD=-24.27（-39.45,-9.08）,P=0.002],硬脊膜撕裂发生率低[RR=0.28（0.11,0.68）,P=0.005],复发率低[RR=0.34（0.14,0.83）,P=0.02]。提示目前在相同条件下显微椎间盘切除治疗椎间盘突出症更为安全有效,但是随着技术及设备的更新上述结论不一定永远不变,建议临床医生根据实际情况选择治疗方式。该课题尚需更多高质量的随机对照试验验证,同时应及时更新。     

内镜下治疗腰椎软骨板破裂症

目的探讨显微内镜下多椎板开窗治疗腰椎软骨板破裂症的有效性。方法12例腰椎软骨板破裂症患者在显微内镜下配合直式骨刀截骨减压以及L形骨刀切除椎体后缘骨性致压物,经椎板间隙切除黄韧带、部分椎板和关节突,扩大侧隐窝,切除椎体后缘骨性致压物,充分减压硬膜囊和神经根,并对临床疗效进行评定。结果除1例因硬膜囊撕裂较大改为传统手术外,完成二节段减压者2例、单节段者9例。每窗减压平均手术时间40min,每例平均出血160mL。术后2、3d下床,平均住院7d。经1.0～3.5年随访,均恢复正常工作。采用Macnab评定标准评定,优良率为90.9%。结论显微内镜下治疗腰椎软骨板破裂症,能够切除椎体后缘软骨板破裂等形成的骨性致压物,达到与开放手术同样减压的目的,并能维持腰椎稳定,术后效果优良。     

显微内窥镜下椎间盘摘除术治疗腰椎间盘突出症172例临床分析

目的探讨后路显微内窥镜下行腰椎间盘摘除术(Microendoscopic discectomy,MED)治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效及手术要点.方法自2001年3月起对172例腰椎间盘突出或脱出患者进行椎间盘摘除和侧隐窝及神经根管扩大术,对神经根彻底减压.结果近期随访3～12个月,平均10个月,优良160例,优良率93%,无明显并发症发生.结论显微内窥镜下椎间盘摘除术治疗单纯腰椎间盘突出症创伤少、恢复快、疗效肯定.     

Detection of Residual Disc Hernia Material and Confirmation of Nerve Root Decompression at Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery by Intraoperative Ultrasound

The aim of lumbar disc herniation surgery is the removal of herniated disc material (HDM) and complete decompression of the nerve root. As some patients present with residual HDM, we examined the ability of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) to detect this material. Between February 2006 and June 2007, we used IOUS in 30 patients undergoing surgery for lumbar disc herniation. They were 17 men and 13 women; their ages ranged from 22 to 63 y (mean 44.0 y). The level surgically addressed was L3/4 in 1, L4/5 in 14 and L5/S1 in 15 patients; they were operated in the prone position. After placing a 3–4 cm midline skin incision, partial hemi-semilaminotomy was performed. HDM was removed through a bone window; a surgical microscope was used during the operation. After removal was judged as adequate, IOUS was performed; 17 patients also underwent IOUS before removal of the herniated disc. For the acquisition of IOUS images, we used LOGIQ 9 and 8c microconvex probes (GE Healthcare, Wauwatosa, WI, USA). The normal anatomical structures were well visualized. HDM was iso- to hyperechoic compared with normal nerve tissue. In three of 17 patients, the dural sac and nerve root could not be distinguished from HDM before removal, although in all 30, the decompressed dural sac, intradural cauda equina and nerve root were well visualized. We posit that the echogenicity of nerve tissue was raised due to compression, rendering it similar to that of the herniated disc. In two patients, IOUS detected residual disc material; the surgical procedure was resumed and sufficient removal was accomplished. IOUS monitoring is safe, convenient and inexpensive. It is also highly useful for the detection of residual HDM and the confirmation of adequate nerve root decompression. (E-mail: taoya@sirius.ocn.ne.jp)     

应用椎间盘镜治疗腰椎间盘突出症及神经根管狭窄症68例临床报告

目的探讨腰椎间盘镜技术在治疗腰椎间盘突出症中的应用价值。方法 2005年2月至2010年8月采用显微椎间盘镜行髓核摘除术治疗腰椎间盘突出症及神经根管狭窄症病人68例。结果随访6～48个月,优良率95.6%,本组无椎间隙感染、出血,神经根脊髓损伤等严重并发症。结论应用椎间盘镜治疗腰椎间盘突出症,具有组织创伤小、神经根减压彻底、维持脊柱稳定性、术后病人卧床时间短、恢复快等优点,是治疗腰椎间盘突出症的理想方法之一。     

MR-PROSET序列观察腰骶神经根(节)解剖

目的评价磁共振选择性水激励脂肪抑制技术(MR-PROSET)在显示腰骶神经(节)中的价值。方法采用3DPROSET序列扫描健康受试者30例,所得原始图像行3DMIP后处理,结合原始图像及MIP图像观察腰骶神经根(节)的形态和走行,并测量相关解剖数据。结果PROSET序列图像能清晰显示L1～S1水平的神经根鞘、神经节以及L3～S1水平的节外段神经;L1～2水平的节外段显示稍差。L1～L5水平的神经根鞘长度逐渐增加,而S1水平的神经根鞘长度较L5水平稍短。L1～S1水平的神经根鞘直径、神经节长径、宽径以及面积均自上而下逐渐增加;神经根鞘倾斜角则自上而下逐渐减小。结论MR-PROSET序列能清晰显示腰骶神经根(节)的解剖形态。     

后路显微内窥镜治疗非发育性腰椎管狭窄症

目的应用后路脊柱显微内窥镜治疗非发育性腰椎管狭窄症。方法通过一个后正中微小切口，采用游离皮瓣和手术通道倾斜，实现多阶段减压和神经根通道松解，使用METRX完成非发育性腰椎管狭窄的手术治疗。结果术后疗效评定优良率为97．8％。结论METRX手术是传统开放式腰椎管狭窄手术的微创化和内窥镜化，可以彻底解除神经压迫，达到微创手术的目的，取得满意临床效果。     

显微内镜下颈前路手术治疗脊髓型颈椎病

目的 探讨显微内镜在脊髓型颈椎病前路手术的应用。方法 对14例脊髓型颈椎病患者采用颈前路显微内镜下颈椎间盘摘除，同时行椎间植骨。结果 14例手术均获成功，术后改善率为86．2％，术中损伤小，出血少，无术中和术后并发症。结论 该术式具有操作简便、损伤小、副作用少的优点，在实施脊髓型颈椎病手术治疗中安全可行，是传统手术的微创化。