[Learning curve for lumbar disc surgery].

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Various techniques are available for lumbar disc surgery. But failure and severe adverse events still occur during such procedures. Recent work concluded that the use of microscope was not mandatory for such procedures.

METHODS: The first 70 spinal procedures for lower limb radicular syndrome by a surgeon at the beginning of this activity where studied. Particular interest was paid on adverse events, especially complications and failures.

RESULT: Average duration of surgery (50min) and rate of reoperation (six reoperations needed out of 65 patients, five of them by the same surgeon) where, as expected, a bit higher than published in experienced hands. But no battered-root syndrome, injury to neighboring structures or other severe complication was observed. Noteworthy is that no patient was neurologically worsened by surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: If the use of microscope may not be needed for lumbar disc open surgery in experienced hands, we strongly advice surgeons at the beginning of their practice to use it. At least, to avoid unforgiving mistakes such as picking out the root instead of the herniation.