Extraperitroneal approach of lumbar spine: a 192 cases experience

Abstract

Objective: Inform our experience with extraperitoneal approach of lumbar disc and compare with literature. Study performed at Hospital de Clínicas Caracas and Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad. Patients and method: Retrospective study based on history review of 131 patients with 192 lumbar approaches, between May 2004 and November 2009. Results: 47,5 % males, 52,5 females. Mean age was 42,78 %. Mean surgical time was 138,56 minutes. Postoperative complications rate was 18,32 %. Mean hospital stay was 2,33 days. Conclusion: extraperitoneal approach for disc replacement is the recommended operation. It permits better anatomy identification, less trauma to muscles and nerves, and less hospital stay.