Minimally invasive redo discectomy for recurrent lumbar disc herniations

The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate which minimally invasive techniques have been used for discectomy in recurrent lumbar disc herniation (LDH), to present the success and complication rates and to evaluate the advantages and limitations of each technique. Discectomy for recurrent LDH is accompanied by a higher morbidity rate compared with primary LDH. Because of the limited operating field, the majority of surgeons have been discouraged from utilising a minimally invasive approach for revision surgery. Minimally invasive techniques have gained ground in the treatment of primary LDH and an increasing number of patients are expressing interest in such techniques for the treatment of recurrent LDH. Microendoscopic discectomy (MED), endoscopic transforaminal and interlaminar discectomy (ETD and EID) have been used for treatment of recurrent LDH. The reported success rate is 60–95%. Full endoscopic techniques, especially ETD, showed favourable results concerning dural tear rates but have a demanding learning curve. The limitations of ETD include dislocated disc fragments or concomitant lateral recess stenosis, and MED is more effective in these instances. All three techniques have a low delayed instability rate. MED, ETD and EID are safe and efficient treatment options for surgical management of recurrent LDH with good success and low complication rates. At the same time, they offer the advantages of minimally invasive access.