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Microendoscopic discectomy versus open discectomy for lumbar disc herniation: a meta-analysis

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Abstract

Purpose

To compare the outcomes of microendoscopic discectomy and open discectomy for patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Methods

An extensive search of studies was performed in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane library and Google Scholar. The following outcome measures were extracted: visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), complication, operation time, blood loss and length of hospital stay. Data analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.0.

Results

Five randomized controlled trials involving 501 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the VAS, ODI or complication between the two groups. However, compared with the open discectomy, the microendoscopic discectomy was associated with less blood loss [WMD = −151.01 (−288.22, −13.80), P = 0.03], shorter length of hospital stay [WMD = −69.33 (−110.39, −28.28), P = 0.0009], and longer operation time [WMD = 18.80 (7.83, 29.76), P = 0.0008].

Conclusions

Microendoscopic discectomy, which requires a demanding learning curve, may be a safe and effective alternative to conventional open discectomy for patients with lumbar disc herniation.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Science Foundation of Guangxi (201502). The Manuscript submitted does not contain information about medical device(s)/drug(s). No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this manuscript.

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    Authors and Affiliations

    1. Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, He Di Rd. #71, Nanning, 530021, China

      JuLiang He, ZhenJie Wu & ZhenChao Yuan

    2. Department of Spine and Orthopaedic Surgery, The Red Cross Hospital of Guangxi Wuzhou, Wuzhou, China

      ShanWen Xiao

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    1. JuLiang He
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    Correspondence to ZhenChao Yuan.

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    JL. He and SW. Xiao contributed equally to this work.

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    He, J., Xiao, S., Wu, Z. et al. Microendoscopic discectomy versus open discectomy for lumbar disc herniation: a meta-analysis. Eur Spine J 25, 1373–1381 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4523-3

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