Recurrent upper lumbar disc herniation treated via the transforaminal approach using microendoscopy-assisted lumbar discectomy: a case report

BACKGROUND: Although microendoscopy-assisted lumbar discectomy for lateral or extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations via the lateral approach has previously been reported, microendoscopy-assisted lumbar discectomy for central or paramedian disc herniations via the lateral approach has not been reported. We report the first case of recurrent upper lumbar disc herniation (L2–L3) treated with microendoscopy-assisted lumbar discectomy via the transforaminal approach. No microendoscopy-assisted lumbar discectomy for recurrent upper lumbar disc herniation via the transforaminal approach has previously been reported. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy via the transforaminal approach is very useful as a minimally invasive surgery for disc herniations. We applied percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy via the transforaminal approach, and invented a new microendoscopy-assisted lumbar discectomy via the transforaminal approach. CASE PRESENTATION: A 79-year-old Japanese man was operatively managed for recurrent L2–L3 herniation. An 18 mm skin incision was made approximately 70 mm from the midline to the lateral side to allow a sufficiently angled trajectory to the extraforaminal space. The transforaminal approach was used. The exiting nerve root was identified along its course inferior to the pedicle. The lateral portion of the pars interarticularis and the facet joint was removed using a high-speed drill under the guidance of an endoscope. The tip of the endoscope was set at the lateral side of the dura mater. The dura mater was retracted medially and gently, and the herniated disc fragments were removed safely. All symptoms were relieved postoperatively. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated disappearance of all herniated disc fragments. A postoperative three-dimensional computed tomographic scan demonstrated the complete preservation of the facet joint. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a case of recurrent upper lumbar disc herniation treated with microendoscopy-assisted lumbar discectomy via the transforaminal approach. This procedure allows for the use of a nerve retractor and other instruments to detach adhesions from the dura mater. This procedure has the advantages of clear visualization of the dura mater, exiting nerve root, and traversing nerve root, and diminished risk of nerve injury, and complete preservation of the articular surface of the facet joint.