Minimally invasive trans-superior articular process percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy with robot assistance

Background: To compare the clinical outcomes of patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with robot-assisted percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (r-PELD) or conventional PELD under fluoroscopy guidance (f-PELD). Methods: Our study group included 55 patients, 22 in the r-PELD group and 33 in the f-PELD group. The following clinical and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups: the visual analog scale for radiculopathy pain; Oswestry Disability Index; intraoperative volume of blood loss; frequency of fluoroscopy used during the procedure; and MacNab classification. The follow-up period was 6-8 months. Results: Compared with f-PELD, r-PELD was associated with a lower volume of intraoperative blood loss and frequency of fluoroscopy (p < 0.01). There were no differences in complications, MacNab classification, postoperative disability and leg pain, and duration of hospitalization between the two groups. Conclusion: Based on our findings, r-PELD provides a safe and effective alternative to conventional PELD for the treatment of lumbar disc herniations, with the accuracy for placement of punctures lowering radiation exposure.

Automated summary

Comparing the clinical outcomes of r-PELD and f-PELD in patients with lumbar disc herniation, it was found that r-PELD had significantly lower intraoperative blood loss and fluoroscopy frequency compared to f-PELD, with no significant differences in complications, postoperative disability and leg pain, and duration of hospitalization between the two groups.