The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology™ ISSN: 1937-8254

The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology is the official online journal of ISMISS/SICOT (International Society of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, affiliate of SICOT) and AAMISMS (American Academy of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Medicine)

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Endoscopic Microdecompressive Cervical Discectomy And Foraminal Decompression Over 2000 Patients

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John C. Chiu M.D., FRCS, D.SC
Director, Neurospine Surgery
California Spine Institute Medical Center

Citation: J. Chiu : Endoscopic Microdecompressive Cervical Discectomy And Foraminal Decompression Over 2000 Patients. The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology. 2009 Supplement II - to IJMIST Vol III No 4

Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate outpatient endoscopic microdecompressive cervical discectomy and foraminal decompression, with mechanical decompression and lower level non-ablative Holmium laser for disc shrinking and tightening effect (laser thermodiskoplasty), performed for treatment of symptomatic herniated cervical disc to be efficacious and safe, and preserves spinal motion. Materials and Methods: Since 1995, 2100 patients (3875 Discs), who failed at least 12 weeks of conservative care were treated. Levels were C2 to C7, inclusive. All patients demonstrated unilateral radicular pain of a specific dermatome, single level or multiple levels, confirmed with EMG/NCV. MRI or CT scans demonstrated the herniated cervical disc. Anterior endoscopic microdecompressive cervical discectomy and foraminal decompression technique is described. Non-ablative lower Holmium laser energy was added for disc shrinkage. Results: Average time to return to work was ten to fourteen days. At an average follow-up of 48 months. For single level, 94% had good to excellent symptomatic relief and spinal motion preservation. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, one patient with transient Horner’s syndrome and one transient hoarseness voice were noted. 6% of patients had persistent neck and upper extremity pain associated with paresthesia, after surgery. Conclusion: This endoscopic microdecompressive cervical discectomy and foraminal decompression with mechanical decompression and lower level non-ablative Holmium laser for disc shrinking and tightening effect (laser thermodiskoplasty), has proven to be safe, less traumatic, easier, and efficacious with significant economic savings. It preserves spinal motion and provides a channel for spinal arthroplasty. It is an effective alternative or replacement for conventional open cervical spinal surgery for discectomy, and can decompress stenosis, in degenerative spine disease.

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	The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology™ ISSN: 1937-8254 \| Home \| Editors \| Current Issue \| Archives \| Instructions for Authors \| Disclaimer \| Share with others \| The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology is the official online journal of ISMISS/SICOT (International Society of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, affiliate of SICOT) and AAMISMS (American Academy of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Medicine) Endoscopic Microdecompressive Cervical Discectomy And Foraminal Decompression Over 2000 Patients Read printer friendly Subscribe in a reader Share with others John C. Chiu M.D., FRCS, D.SC Director, Neurospine Surgery California Spine Institute Medical Center Citation: J. Chiu : Endoscopic Microdecompressive Cervical Discectomy And Foraminal Decompression Over 2000 Patients. The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology. 2009 Supplement II - to IJMIST Vol III No 4 Abstract Purpose: To demonstrate outpatient endoscopic microdecompressive cervical discectomy and foraminal decompression, with mechanical decompression and lower level non-ablative Holmium laser for disc shrinking and tightening effect (laser thermodiskoplasty), performed for treatment of symptomatic herniated cervical disc to be efficacious and safe, and preserves spinal motion. Materials and Methods: Since 1995, 2100 patients (3875 Discs), who failed at least 12 weeks of conservative care were treated. Levels were C2 to C7, inclusive. All patients demonstrated unilateral radicular pain of a specific dermatome, single level or multiple levels, confirmed with EMG/NCV. MRI or CT scans demonstrated the herniated cervical disc. Anterior endoscopic microdecompressive cervical discectomy and foraminal decompression technique is described. Non-ablative lower Holmium laser energy was added for disc shrinkage. Results: Average time to return to work was ten to fourteen days. At an average follow-up of 48 months. For single level, 94% had good to excellent symptomatic relief and spinal motion preservation. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, one patient with transient Horner’s syndrome and one transient hoarseness voice were noted. 6% of patients had persistent neck and upper extremity pain associated with paresthesia, after surgery. Conclusion: This endoscopic microdecompressive cervical discectomy and foraminal decompression with mechanical decompression and lower level non-ablative Holmium laser for disc shrinking and tightening effect (laser thermodiskoplasty), has proven to be safe, less traumatic, easier, and efficacious with significant economic savings. It preserves spinal motion and provides a channel for spinal arthroplasty. It is an effective alternative or replacement for conventional open cervical spinal surgery for discectomy, and can decompress stenosis, in degenerative spine disease. This article was last modified on Fri, 03 Jul 09 14:16:42 -0500 This page was generated on Fri, 20 Nov 09 21:05:19 -0600, and may be cached.
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