Outcomes – on 250 patients reviewed 2 – 4 years after surgery, 60% had a halving of pain and doubling of performance. In 75 patients with Failed Conventional Back Surgery, 48% achieved this benefit and in patients without prior surgery this clinical impact was achieved in 67%.
In a 10 year outcome review 69% of patients had a continuing satisfactory outcome.
Risks – 28% of the first 250patients treated by Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression had a post-operative flare and in 12% this was significant.
In a published review of 958 Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression & Foraminoplasty interventions including the development and learning curve the complication rate was 2.4% as follows:
- 1 patient had a disc infection,
- 9 had aseptic discitis.
- There was 1 dural tear,
- 1 deep wound infection,
- 2 transient and 1 permanent foot drop,
- 1 myocardial infarction (at 6 weeks and probably unrelated),
- 1 transient erectile dysfunction (transient exacerbation of prior condition),
- 1 panic attack
- 8 residual / recurrent protrusions.
Current Audit June 2013 – in a total of 4,150 Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression & Foraminoplasty and 3,500 Laser Disc Decompression procedures there have been:
- 9 Infections
- 7 Dural Tears
In the 1,500 consecutive Endoscopic Minimal Invasive Spine Surgery interventions leading up to 2011, there were 5 returns to theatre and 3 patients requiring in patient hospitalisation beyond 24 hours.
