Abstract.
A prospective randomised trial compared the results of conventional lumbar discectomy performed as day cases with those performed on an in-patient basis. The aim of the study was to investigate whether conventional discectomy can be performed safely on a day-case basis. Thirty-one patients were included in the study; 18 were randomised to day-case treatment and 13 to in-patient stay. Day patients mobilised more quickly immediately following surgery and were better able to walk at 2 weeks. The rate of complications was unchanged. It is concluded that conventional discectomy can be undertaken safely as day-case surgery and may indeed speed up the recovery process.
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Gonzalez-Castro, A., Shetty, A., Nagendar, K. et al. Day-case conventional discectomy: a randomised controlled trial. Eur Spine J 11, 67–70 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-001-0351-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-001-0351-0