Ondokuz Mayis Universitesi Tip Dergisi, cilt.15, sa.3, ss.221-226, 1998 (Scopus)
Lumbar disc disease has been treated with percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) since February 1994 in our clinic. Despite its safeness as a percutaneous method in treating disc diseases, the effectiveness and results of this method has been one of the most controversial subjects. 108 applications of PLDD in 102 cases were followed-up clinically and radiologically for a mean of 19.4 ± 0.7 months. Applications in regard to disc intervals were L3-4 in 4, L4-5 in 85 and L5-S1 in 13 patients. Results were reported according to Mac Nab criterias. Results were perfect in 30 cases (%29.4), good in 28 cases (%27.4) and no change in 20 (%19.6) cases. Complains were increased in 24 (%23.5) cases. Open surgery was performed on 16 cases (%15.6) following PLDD. We concluded that PLDD is a practical procedure when applied with appropriate indications, has no significant complications and causes no obstacles open surgery.