Feasibility of Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy in a Remote Government Hospital in Thailand: A Cost-Utility Analysis

BACKGROUND

Treatments for lumbar discectomy have developed over time. Recently, endoscopy has played an important role. However, a major obstacle to endoscopy in rural areas is the cost of surgery, particularly for endoscopes and disposable equipment. We assessed the cost effectiveness of endoscopic lumbar discectomy compared to the traditional open microdiscectomy technique in a government hospital in a developing country.

METHODS

This study focused on 50 patients who underwent endoscopic lumbar discectomy between April 2019 and March 2020 at Yala Regional Hospital and were reviewed by our team. The duration of hospital stays, operative time, follow-up, and clinical outcomes at one, three, and six months postoperatively were observed and compared with 30 patients who underwent microscopic lumbar discectomy. Hospital expenses were calculated and compared using t-tests.

RESULTS

Endoscopic discectomy was 4.00 days length of stay while microscopic discectomy has 9.77 days in averages. The pain score was 8.82 for endoscopic surgery and 9.1 for microscopic surgery. The operative price for the endoscopic discectomy was 144.69 USD higher than that for the open lumbar discectomy because of the disposable equipment. However, each patient in the microdiscectomy group had a longer hospital stay and required more perioperative care, which decreased the difference of the total hospital expenses (1,420.612 vs 1,399.16 USD).

CONCLUSION

Full endoscopic lumbar discectomy is an effective procedure that is beneficial for patients. The total hospital costs are not significantly different between the two procedures. To ensure that more patients receive this benefit and to develop surgical competency in government hospitals, the surgical reimbursement fee for endoscopic discectomy should be more affordable than that for conventional discectomy.

Effectiveness of Bi-Needle Technique (Hybrid Yeung Endoscopic Spine System/Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System) for Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

OBJECTIVE

The bi-needle technique is a new technique for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy. This technique combines the advantages of Yeung endoscopic spine system (YESS) and transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of the bi-needle technique for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and compare it with the TESSYS technique.

METHODS

We reviewed 86 patients with single-level lumbar disc herniation treated by percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in our hospital from June 2013 to December 2015. Bi-needle technique was used in 49 patients (30 men, 19 women; average age 40.4 ± 5.2 years). TESSYS technique was used in 37 patients (19 men, 18 women; average age 42.8 ± 6.4 years). Clinical results were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Symptoms in both groups were significantly improved at the last follow-up (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in visual analog scale and lumbar Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores between bi-needle and TESSYS groups at last follow-up (P = 0.69 and P = 0.33, respectively). Operative time was shorter in the bi-needle group (P < 0.01). Recurrence rate and reoperation rate were lower in the bi-needle group (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). Discitis was diagnosed in 2 patients in the TESSYS group. There were no patients with postoperative discitis in the bi-needle group.

CONCLUSIONS

The bi-needle technique is safe and effective for treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Compared with TESSYS technique, operative time is shorter, and recurrence and reoperation rates are lower.

The Strategy and Early Clinical Outcome of Percutaneous Full-Endoscopic Interlaminar or Extraforaminal Approach for Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Objective is to analyze the surgical strategy, safety, and clinical results of percutaneous full-endoscopic discectomy through interlaminar or extraforaminal puncture technique for LDH. Preoperative CT and MRI were analyzed, which were based on the main location of the herniated disc and its relationship with compressed nerve root. Sixty-two patients satisfied the inclusion criteria during the period from August 2012 to March 2014. We use percutaneous full-endoscopic discectomy through different puncture technique to remove the protrusive NP for LDH. Sixty patients completed the full-endoscopic operation successfully. Their removed disc tissue volume ranged from 1.5 mL to 3.8 mL each time. Postoperative ODI and VAS of low back and sciatica pain were significantly decreased in each time point compared to preoperative ones. No nerve root injury, infection, and other complications occurred. The other two patients were shifted to open surgery. No secondary surgery was required and 91.6% of excellent-to-good ratio was achieved on the basis of Macnab criteria at postoperative 12 months. Acquired benefits are fewer complications, rapid recovery, complete NP removal, effective nerve root decompression, and satisfactory cosmetic effect as well. This is a safe, effective, and rational minimally invasive spine-surgical technology with excellent clinical outcome.