Effect of bilateral decompression via unilateral approach under percutaneous channel on lumbar spinal stenosis complicated with lumbar instability

Objective To investigate the efficacy of bilateral decompression via unilateral approach under percutaneous channel in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis complicated with lumbar instability. Methods A total of 47 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2016 to June 2017 were treated with lumbar instability or evaluation of potential lumbar instability. All patients were given via unilateral approach under percutaneous channel. The surgical indexes and treatment effects of 47 patients were analyzed. Results All the 47 patients successfully completed the operation, and no serious complications occurred during the operation. The operation time of the 47 patients was (127.4±15.1) min, the amount of bleeding was (78.73±18.2) ml, the drainage volume was (50.4±21.9) ml, and the operation time was (1.52±0.75)d. The postoperative evaluation was excellent in 38 cases, good in 4 cases. The postoperative visual analogue scale score and Oswesrty dysfunction index were less than those before surgery (P<0.05). After 3 months of follow-up, 47 patients were successfully cured. Conclusions Unilateral decompression of the percutaneous approach for lumbar spinal stenosis combined with lumbar instability is safe and effective, with less bleeding and shorter bed rest time. Key words: Lumbar spinal stenosis; Channel technique; Unilateral approach; Bilateral decompression