Long-term outcome of redo discectomy for recurrent lumbar disc herniations

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Cunha, M (Author) Other; Basto, D (Author) Other; Silva, PS (Author) Other; Vaz, R (Author) Other; Paulo Pereira (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: European Spine Journal

Vol. 32 No. 9

Pages: 534-541

ISSN: 0940-6719

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-P95

DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07493-4

Abstract (EN): Purpose Recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH) is an important cause of morbidity and healthcare costs. The goal of this investigation is to assess surgical outcomes and their predictors in patients who underwent revision discectomy for RLDH, with a minimum follow-up of ten years, to shed light on the best treatment to offer to these patients.Methods Patients who underwent revision discectomy to treat RLDH between 2004 and 2011 in our Department were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected. The need of third intervention for RLDH was the primary outcome. Patient's satisfaction, Core Outcome Measures Index, Oswestry Disability Index, and EuroQoL-5D scores were also evaluated.Results This study includes 55 patients, with a mean follow-up time of 144 months [112-199]. In this period, a third intervention was needed in 30.9% (n = 17) of patients. Most recurrences took place in the first 2 years after the second surgery (58.8%, n = 10) and the risk of needing a third surgery decreased over time. After 5 years, the probability of not having surgery for recurrence was 71% [CI 95%: 60-84%], with a tendency to stabilize after that. An interval between the first discectomy and the surgery for recurrence shorter than 7.6 months was identified as a predictor for a second recurrence.Conclusion The risk of needing a third surgery seems to stabilize after five years. Patients with an early recurrence after the first discectomy seem to have a higher risk of a new recurrence, so an arthrodesis might be worth considering.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8