Microlumbar discectomy: follow-up of 477 patients.

A survey of the surgical experience with microlumbar discectomy in 477 patients over a 4.3-year period is presented. A good result was obtained in more than 90% of the patients and morbidity was negligible. Photographs of the various phases of the microsurgical procedures are included. This conservative operation is a worthwhile alternative in the treatment of herniated lumbar discs because the postoperative pain is minimal and does not require treatment with narcotics, early ambulation is possible, there is no need for transfusion, the surgery is brief, and the postoperative stay is only about 3 days.