Application of a new body surface-assisting puncture device in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy

Abstract

Abstract Background Accurate puncture and localization are critical for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy surgery. However, several punctures are often required, followed by X-ray fluoroscopy, which can increase surgical risk and complications. The aim of this study was to demonstrate a new body surface-assisting puncture device that can be used in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy and to assess its clinical effectiveness. Methods Three hundred and forty-four patients were treated with percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy surgery in the Spinal Surgery Department of Taian City Central Hospital, China, between January 2020 and February 2022. Of these, 162 patients (the locator group) were punctured using a body surface-assisting puncture device while and 182 patients (the control group) were punctured using the traditional blind puncture method. The number of punctures, radiation dose during X-ray fluoroscopy, operation time, and surgical complications were compared between the two groups. Results The average number of punctures was 2.15 ± 1.10 in the locator group which was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.30 ± 1.74; P 0.05). Conclusion The use of a new body surface-assisting puncture device in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy surgery can significantly reduce the number of punctures and X-ray fluoroscopy radiation dose, as well as shortening the operation time, without increasing surgical complications. This device is cheap, easy to operate, and suitable for all hospitals and spine surgeons, especially for small hospitals, with also no extra costs for patients.

Keywords

• Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy
• Lumbar disc herniation
• Body surface-assisting puncture device
• Puncture
• X-ray fluoroscopy