Microendoscopic Resection of Lumbar Discal Cysts

INTRODUCTION: A lumbar discal cyst is a relatively rare cystic lesion that communicates with lumbar intervertebral discs. Surgical resection of the cyst is the reported treatment of choice. In this study, the authors report the minimally invasive surgical resection of lumbar discal cysts using a microendoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven male patients with lumbar discal cysts underwent microendoscopic resections (mean age: 25.1+/-3.2 years and the mean follow-up period: 27.9 months). During the surgeries, the cysts were subtotally resected in a piecemeal fashion, and the fistulas forming the communications between the cysts and the corresponding intervertebral discs were coagulated using a bipolar coagulator. RESULTS: All the patients obtained relief from their pain after surgery, and no recurrences occurred during a mean follow-up period of 28 months. The mean operation time was 72.6+/-20.2 min, and the mean blood loss was 44.4+/-13.7 grams. No intra- or peri-operative complications were noted in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Microendoscopic resection appears to be a minimally invasive and feasible surgical option for the treatment of lumbar discal cysts.