Abstract:

Background: The long-term results of patients who underwent lumbar discectomy using the Desdandau technique (EDDT) and standard open technique (SOD) were compared. Materials and Methods: A retrospective screening was made of patients, aged 18-70 years, who underwent single-level lumbar discectomy between 2007 and 2011. A total of 52 patients met the study criteria and were separated into 2 groups according to the surgical technique used, the EDDT group (n: 27) and the SOD group (n:25). All patients were compared using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria. Results. The mean follow-up period was calculated as 158.2±9.2 months in the EDDT group and 161.2±11.1 months in the SOD group. The preoperative VAS and ODI values were observed to be similar in both groups (p=0.829); p=0.120 respectively). At the early postoperative visit, VAS and ODI values were lower in the EDDT group (VAS: EDDT: 2.2±0.6; SOD: 4.1±0.8, p<0.001; ODI: EDDT: 15.4±1.6, SOD: 29.1±1.9, p<0.001, respectively), however, there was no significant difference in VAS and ODI scores between the two groups at the last control (VAS: EDDT: 2.1±0.4, SOD: 2.4±0.5, p=0.078; ODI: EDDT: 14.6±2.1, SOD: 15.1±1.2, p=0.033, respectively). According to the modified MacNab criteria, good and excellent results were obtained in 88% of the SOD group and 92% of the EDDT group. Conclusion: The study found that the long-term results of both techniques were similar. However, the Destandau technique had better early results. The endoscopic method seems to be better in terms of early return to daily activities.