LUMBAR ENDOSCOPIC DISCECTOMY IN OBESE PATIENTS

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional results of endoscopic lumbar discectomy in obese patients. Methods We selected 56 patients with lumbar disc hernia refractory to clinical treatment that underwent endoscopic discectomy. Twenty-five patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m 2 were analyzed through the Visual Analogue Scale and functional evaluation using the Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire and compared to 31 patients in the control group (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m 2 ). These data were obtained in the preoperative period, in the immediate postoperative period, at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and one year after surgery. Results The mean BMI in the control group was 22.1 kg/m 2 , and in the obese group, 33.6 kg/m 2 . In both groups there was a statistically significant improvement in clinical and functional analyzes. There was no statistical difference between the groups. Conclusions Lumbar transforaminal endoscopic discectomy has been shown to be a safe, effective and minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation in obese patients. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective and Comparative Study.