Abstract: Day-case conventional discectomy: a randomised controlled trial.

Authors:

Gonzalez-Castro A, Shetty A, Nagendar K, Greenough CG.

Institution:

Middlesbrough General Hospital, Cleveland, UK.

Source:

Eur Spine J. 2002 Feb;11(1):67-70.

Abstract:

A prospective randomised trial compared the results of conventional lumbar discectomy performed as day cases with those performed on an in-patient basis. The aim of the study was to investigate whether conventional discectomy can be performed safely on a day-case basis. Thirty-one patients were included in the study; 18 were randomised to day-case treatment and 13 to in-patient stay. Day patients mobilised more quickly immediately following surgery and were better able to walk at 2 weeks. The rate of complications was unchanged. It is concluded that conventional discectomy can be undertaken safely as day-case surgery and may indeed speed up the recovery process.

Keywords:

Orthopaedic Surgery Discectomy