Percutaneous lumbar discectomy: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: low back pain is a clinical condition with a multifactorial etiopathogenesis, which has a high socioeconomic impact, especially in the economically active population, as it is associated with frequent absenteeism and reduced quality of life. Through intervertebral disc degeneration, a progressive instability of the compromised region is observed, triggering a harmful positive feedback mechanism that further promotes intervertebral disc disease. Built by the interaction between the predisposing biopsychosocial components, a multidisciplinary therapeutic proposition is suggested. In persistent low back pain, treatment involves surgical procedures such as Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy. Objective: to evaluate the scientific evidence regarding the clinical outcomes and safety of this surgery. Methods: systematic review duly registered in Prospero (CRD42022370811), based on the PICOD question, elaborated from a Boolean search in different databases for scientific articles, evaluated and selected in a paired way based on the eligibility criteria. In addition to extracting data related to the proposed objectives, the articles included were evaluated in relation to their level of evidence and strength of recommendation. Results: among the 12 articles included, it was observed that it is a clinically effective and safe procedure. In the set of evidences gathered, they are of high and moderate level of evidence with respective strength of recommendation strong/good and weak/moderate. Conclusion: Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy promotes significant reduction of pain and increase in body functionality, in addition to preserving local musculoskeletal structures and preventing post-surgical joint instability. It is, therefore, a safe and clinically effective minimally invasive procedure for patients with herniated discs.