Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy:Local Anesthesia Or General Anesthesia+Intraoperative Electromyographic Monitoring?

Objectives:To discuss the feasibility of applying percutaneous endoscopic discectomy under general anesthesia+intraoperative electromyographic monitoring, and compare the results of PELD performed under local anesthesia and general anesthesia+intraoperative electromyographic monitoring.Methods:93 consecutive patients undergoing PELD was divide into 2 groups receiving local anesthesia or general anesthesia+intraoperative electromyographic monitoring group.Demographically, both groups were similar.Preoperative VAS and ODI scores were recorded. Surgical results were assed by VAS, ODI and the modified MacNab criteria.Results:The general anesthesia group showed a shorter operative time and less lower limp muscle contraction frequency jus to less nerve root stimulation by operative manipulation. Length of hospital stay didn’t differ significantly between the two groups. In both groups, postoperative VAS and ODI improved significantly compared with preoperative counterparts. Results assessed by the modified MacNab criteria didn’t differ significantly between the two groups.2 complications of dysesthesia occurred in the anesthesia group, while no significant complications were observed.Conclusion:In the treatment of LDH in our study, the efficacy of PELD performed under local anesthesia and general anesthesia were similarly favorable and constant. PELD performed under general anesthesia+intraoperative electromyographic monitoring is preferable considering less operative time and nerve root stimulation.