Microlumbar discectomy: followup of 147 patients.

Microlumbar discectomy is a new surgical technique for the treatment of herniated lumbar disc. The operating microscope and special instruments enable the surgeon to remove the herniated portion of the disc without laminectomy through a 1-inch skin incision. A transfusion was never necessary. In a followup study of 147 patients operated on over a 2 1/4-year period, the surgical cure rate was 96%, and the postoperative hospital stay was reduced to less than 3 days. One year after surgery, all noncompensation cases were working as were 80% of the compensation cases. Microlumbar discectomy is safe, effective, and economic for the patient.