Our Summary

This research paper is about a study on a surgical technique called unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) that was used to treat a severe type of slipped disc in the lower back, known as high-grade migrated lumbar disc herniation.

The study looked at 23 people (14 men and 9 women, average age around 49) who had this treatment between January 2020 and February 2021. All the patients had been experiencing lower back and leg pain for a duration of anywhere between 2 months and 7 years.

The researchers recorded various data such as how long the operation took, how much blood was lost during the operation, when patients were able to start moving around after the operation, and any complications that may have occurred after the operation. They also measured the effectiveness of the treatment by using certain scores and indexes that assess pain and disability levels before and after the operation, and during follow-up checks.

The results showed that all the operations were successful and there were no complications like tearing of the covering of the spinal cord, bleeding around the spinal cord, or injury to nerves or blood vessels. The surgery took between 53 to 96 minutes and blood loss was minimal. Patients were able to move around 1 to 2 days after the operation. Follow-up checks over 3 to 12 months showed that the pain and disability levels had significantly reduced after the operation. Based on a rating system, 17 cases were rated as excellent, 4 as good, and 2 as fair, resulting in a success rate of 91.3%. There were no cases of the slipped disc recurring during the follow-up period.

The conclusion of the study is that the UBE technique is an effective way to treat this severe type of slipped disc, as it offers flexibility, a clear view for the surgeon, and a wide area to explore during the operation, which can help to reduce the risk of a piece of the disc being left behind after the operation.

FAQs

  1. What is the unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) technique and what condition does it treat?
  2. What were the results of the study on the UBE technique for treating high-grade migrated lumbar disc herniation?
  3. What were the benefits of the UBE technique as concluded by the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing discectomy to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a certain period of time to allow for proper healing. They may also recommend physical therapy to help improve strength and flexibility in the back and surrounding muscles to prevent future issues. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and staying active can help prevent further disc issues in the future.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended discectomy are those who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections for a severe slipped disc causing lower back and leg pain. In the case of high-grade migrated lumbar disc herniation, where the disc fragment has moved far from its original location, surgery may be necessary to relieve symptoms and prevent further complications. This type of surgery is usually recommended for patients who have significant pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, as well as loss of bladder or bowel control, which may indicate nerve compression or damage. Additionally, patients who have tried other treatments with no improvement or have a worsening condition may also be candidates for discectomy.

Timeline

  • Patients experience lower back and leg pain for a duration of 2 months to 7 years
  • Patients undergo unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) surgery for high-grade migrated lumbar disc herniation
  • Surgery takes between 53 to 96 minutes with minimal blood loss
  • Patients are able to move around 1 to 2 days after the operation
  • Follow-up checks over 3 to 12 months show significant reduction in pain and disability levels
  • Success rate of 91.3% with no cases of recurrence during follow-up period

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about discectomy include:

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a discectomy procedure?
  2. How long will the recovery process take after a discectomy?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  4. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. What restrictions or limitations will I have after the surgery, such as lifting or physical activity?
  6. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for my specific condition?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing a discectomy?
  8. What can I do to help improve my outcome and recovery after the surgery?
  9. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  10. How long will it take for me to see improvement in my symptoms after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Chen P, Zheng D, Ding W, Xu W. Journal: Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2022 Jul 15;36(7):860-865. doi: 10.7507/1002-1892.202203047. PMID: 35848183