Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential technical advantages of the CO2 laser technology in mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgeries and report our preliminary clinical data on the safety and clinical outcomes. There is currently no literature discussing the recently redeveloped CO2 laser technology application for lumbar fusion. Safety and clinical outcomes were compared between two groups: 24 patients that underwent CO2 laser-assisted one-level TLIF surgeries and 30 patients that underwent standard one-level TLIF surgeries without the laser.There were no neural thermal injuries or other intraoperative laser-related complications encountered in this cohort of patients. At a mean follow-up of 17.4 months, significantly reduced lower back pain scores (P=0.013) were reported in the laser-assisted patient group compared to a standard fusion patient group. Lower extremity radicular pain intensity scores were similar in both groups. Laser-assisted TLIF surgeries showed a tendency (P = 0.07) of shorter operative times that was not statistically significant.Based on this preliminary clinical report, the safety of the CO2 laser device for lumbar fusion surgeries was assessed. There were no neural thermal injuries or other intraoperative laser-related complications encountered in this cohort of patients. Further investigation of CO2 laser-assisted lumbar fusion procedures is warranted in order to evaluate its effect on clinical outcomes.
Highlights
Laser-assisted spine surgeries for conditions associated with degenerative disc disease are perceived as a more effective treatment among laypersons
There were no neural thermal injuries or other intraoperative laser-related complications encountered in this cohort of patients
Further investigation of CO2 laser-assisted lumbar fusion procedures is warranted in order to evaluate its effect on clinical outcomes
Summary
Laser-assisted spine surgeries for conditions associated with degenerative disc disease are perceived as a more effective treatment among laypersons. This theoretically results in reduced intradiscal pressure, decreasing pressure on the nerve roots. Some patients with contained herniations can benefit from it, according to a systematic review performed by Gibson and Waddell, clinical outcomes following percutaneous laser-assisted microdiscectomy are worse than standard microdiscectomy [3]. The application of this procedure is restricted by very limited exposure and a reduced ability to eliminate the cause of pain, such as a free fragment disc herniation, which is inaccessible with this technique. There are currently no studies reported in the literature that describe laser-assisted lumbar fusions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
