Result of Laser-Assisted Disc Ablation After Unsuccessful Percutaneous Disc Decompression

Objective: The author assessed results of laser-assisted disc decompression (LADA) in patients who already had earlier unsuccessful percutaneous discectomy (PD) at the same level. Summary Background Data: The efficacy of LADA after failed PD for the same disc level is not well established. However the literature does not suggest any contraindication to performing LADA in previously failed PD. Methods: Prospective study of LADA after failed PD at the same disc level in 15 patients was done. Results were assessed clinically using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale for an average follow up of 13 months. Results: No patient had excellent recovery, 7 patients had poor recovery, 5 patients had fair recovery, and only 3 patients had good recovery. None of the patients had worsening of symptoms after the LADA. Conclusions: Repetition of another form of minimally invasive surgery by laser (Neo:Yag) for the same level of disc herniation after unsuccessful PD has low rate of success.