Preliminary clinical study: percutaneous lumbar discectomy combined with external drainage for treatment of intervertebral disc infections with epidural abscess

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous lumbar discectomy (PLD) combined with external drainage (ED) is a new technique for the treatment of intervertebral disc infection with epidural abscess. AIM: To discuss the feasibility, safety and efficacy of PLD and ED for the treatment of intervertebral disc infections with epidural abscess. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 12 patients who underwent intervertebral disc infections with epidural abscess. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) and standard Macnab’s evaluation. Postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were also used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. RESULTS: The technical success rate is 100%. Preoperation mean VAS score was 8.18 ±0.98; 5.36 ±1.50 postoperation 1 month; 3.36 ±2.24 postoperation 6 months; 2.77 ±0.31 postoperation 12 months. The comparison of preoperation and postoperation VAS showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). According to standard Macnab’s evaluation, of all 12 cases, postoperation 12 months – excellent 4 cases, good 7 cases, poor 1 case. The efficacy rate was 91.6%. No serious complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous lumbar discectomy combined with external drainage may be a safe and efficacy method for the treatment of intervertebral disc infections with epidural abscess.