Endoscopic discectomy of the herniated intervertebral disc and changes in quality-of-life EQ-5D-5L analysis

Abstract

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 (P