Abstract
The aim of lumbar disc herniation surgery is the removal of herniated disc material (HDM) and complete decompression of the nerve root. As some patients present with residual HDM, we examined the ability of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) to detect this material. Between February 2006 and June 2007, we used IOUS in 30 patients undergoing surgery for lumbar disc herniation. They were 17 men and 13 women; their ages ranged from 22 to 63 y (mean 44.0 y). The level surgically addressed was L3/4 in 1, L4/5 in 14 and L5/S1 in 15 patients; they were operated in the prone position. After placing a 3–4 cm midline skin incision, partial hemi-semilaminotomy was performed. HDM was removed through a bone window; a surgical microscope was used during the operation. After removal was judged as adequate, IOUS was performed; 17 patients also underwent IOUS before removal of the herniated disc. For the acquisition of IOUS images, we used LOGIQ 9 and 8c microconvex probes (GE Healthcare, Wauwatosa, WI, USA). The normal anatomical structures were well visualized. HDM was iso- to hyperechoic compared with normal nerve tissue. In three of 17 patients, the dural sac and nerve root could not be distinguished from HDM before removal, although in all 30, the decompressed dural sac, intradural cauda equina and nerve root were well visualized. We posit that the echogenicity of nerve tissue was raised due to compression, rendering it similar to that of the herniated disc. In two patients, IOUS detected residual disc material; the surgical procedure was resumed and sufficient removal was accomplished. IOUS monitoring is safe, convenient and inexpensive. It is also highly useful for the detection of residual HDM and the confirmation of adequate nerve root decompression. (E-mail: taoya@sirius.ocn.ne.jp)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.