1. Introduction
low back pain, pain, Low back pain, lower limb pain, lumbar disc herniation, Oswestry disability, disability, sciatica
COMPLICATIONS
Herniated lumbar discs are a common cause of low back pain, which can negatively impact the quality of life of working-age individuals. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the quality of life in patients with sciatica who underwent endoscopic discectomy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02742311) included 470 patients who underwent transforaminal, interlaminar, or translaminar endoscopic discectomy. Quality of life and pain perception were evaluated by comparing statistically weighted values of EQ-5D-5L, EQ-VAS, Oswestry disability index, and numerical pain scales for lower limb and back pain before and 12 months after the endoscopic procedure. After the procedure, there was a significant improvement in the reduction of back and lower limb pain, as well as in all monitored questionnaires (Low back pain with sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation (LDH) affects nearly 60% of patients and is increasingly common as the global population ages. This condition is particularly prevalent in the working-age population, with 70% of disability caused by LDH occurring in people aged 20 to 65 years. The diagnosis of LHD is confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, and the major symptoms include low back pain and sciatica. However, there is no clear evidence regarding the best treatment approach.Recently, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has been used as an alternative to open discectomy. PELD is a minimally invasive technique that reduces the use of general anesthesia and results in less damage to surrounding soft tissues and paravertebral musculature, faster wound healing time, reduced spine instability, and shorter hospitalization.This study aimed to assess changes in the quality of life in patients with sciatica who underwent endoscopic discectomy using the EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire. The study also evaluated the Oswestry disability index (ODI), the numerical scale of quality of life, and numerical scales of leg pain and back pain. The statistical weight values for the studied countries were determined. The results showed significant improvements in all monitored parameters, including a reduction in back and lower limb pain, as well as improvements in HRQoL that persisted 12 months after the endoscopic procedure. PELD was found to be an effective intervention for treating pain, and no significant differences were observed in complications or re-herniations when comparing the different approaches.