Interlaminar endoscopic discectomy for recurrent L4–5 and L5–S1 disc herniation

Background: Revision for recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH) is associated with epidural scarring and postoperative segmental instability. Endoscopic surgery is associated with better clarity, organised identification, fewer tissue lesions, and quicker recovery than open revision. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) for patients with RLDH at L4-5 and L5-S1. Methods: the visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria through a 2-year follow-up period. Results: Significant improvements in VAS for back and leg pain and the ODI were observed post-treatment. Based on the modified MacNab criteria, 56 out of 64 patients demonstrated excellent and good, four cases in fair and four cases in poor at the 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: PEID yields favourable clinical outcomes in patients with RLDH at L4-5 and L5-S1 within this cohort.