Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2006; 49(5): 282-285
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-950392
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG · Stuttgart · New York

Posterior Endoscopic Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation with Contralateral Symptoms - A Report of Two Cases

Y. Nakagawa 1 , M. Yoshida 1 , M. Kawakami 1 , M. Ando 1 , H. Hashizume 1 , A. Minamide 1 , K. Maio 1 , Y. Enyo 1 , M. Okada 1
  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 December 2006 (online)

Abstract

We report two cases of lumbar disc herniation with contralateral nerve root involvement, surgically treated with a microendoscopic disectomy system (METRx™-MED system). The nerve root of the symptomatic side (contralateral to the side of the disc herniation) had been compressed to the superior facet by herniated disc from the opposite side. Endoscopic observation revealed inflammatory findings of the nerve root on the symptomatic side, such as fibrosis, adhesion, redness and swelling. In contrast, on the non-symptomatic side (ipsilateral side of the disc herniation), the nerve root had been merely compressed by the herniated disc but did not demonstrate any inflammatory findings. Excision of the herniated disc and decompression of the non-symptomatic nerve root should be done first, approaching from the disc herniation side. After that, through the same approach, the nerve root of the opposite (symptomatic) side should be decompressed.

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Correspondence

Yukihiro NakagawaM.D., Ph, D. 

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Wakayama Medical University

811-1 Kimiidera

Wakayama 641-8510

Japan

Phone: +81/73/44 70 64 5

Fax: +81/73/44 83 00 8

Email: nakagawa@wakayama-med.ac.jp