Effectiveness of Sacral Epidural Laser Discectomy in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain Resistant to Conservative Treatment

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sacral epidural laser discectomy (SELD) on clinical parameters in patients with chronic low back and/or leg pain (CLBLP) resistant to conservative treatment. Methods: A total of 75 patients with CLBLP who received SELD treatment were retrospectively included in this study. Patients were assessed for pain (numeric rating scale-NRS) and disability (Oswestry Disability Index-ODI). NRS and ODI scores were recorded before the operation and 1, 6, and 12 months after the operation. Results: Of the 75 patients, with a mean age of 52 +/- 11 years (range: 30-78 years), 45 (60.0%) were female and 35 (40.0%) were male. The baseline pain intensity (7.43 +/- 0.774) and pain intensities obtained at three time points following the surgeries (1 month [3.93 +/- 1.571], 6 months [4.36 +/- 1.591], 12 months [5.00 +/- 1.716]) showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). The baseline pain-related disability (2.92 +/- 0.539) and the data obtained at three subsequent time points (1 month [1.76 +/- 0.883], 6 months [1.85 +/- 0.896], and 12 months [2.01 +/- 0.923]) showed a statistically significant difference in pain-related disability (p < 0.001). The most common complications were headache (five patients) and incisional pain (five patients). Conclusions: As a result of this study, we found that SELD reduces pain and disability in patients with conservative-treatment-resistant CLBLP. Although serious complications may rarely occur, the procedure is generally associated with an acceptable and low complication rate.