[Comparison of the microsurgical lumbar intervertebral disk operation with the conventional technic in free sequestered intervertebral disk prolapse. A retrospective study based on 267 cases].

Two operation techniques for treatment of free sequestrated disc herniation are compared. A microdiscectomy was performed 131 times and a standard discectomy 136 times. The subsequent of all patients was recorded. Follow-up examinations were carried out in 84 of the microdiscectomy group and in 93 patients of the standard discectomy group. The two groups are homogeneous with regard to the duration of the disease, the pre-operative neurological findings, sex, the number of investigated cases, spinal level involved and the risk factors. There are differences in both groups with regard to the postoperative course, the complications and the follow up treatment. A deep venous thrombosis, a long-term bladder catheterisation and a very much longer postoperative bed rest are found more often in the standard discectomy group. The subjective evaluation of the patients with regard to the result of the operation does not show any statistically significant differences between both treatment groups. 81% of the patients report a very good or good result of the treatment.