Ambulatory microsurgical lumbar discectomy

Microsurgical technique was used for lumbar disc herniation in 132 patients. The procedure was preferably performed under spinal block in a simple prone position. In the first series 68 patients left the hospital 3 days postoperatively while in the second series 64 patients were treated ambulantly. Based on self-rating, 87% of the patients expressed an excellent or good result of the operation. A higher rate, 96%, was obtained for patients operated on within 6 months from the onset of symptoms. No complications were encountered due to the ambulation and the patients were satisfied with the early discharge from hospital which may facilitate an earlier return to normal activity.