Comparison of 2 Anesthetic Methods for Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Study Design Randomized controlled trial. Objectives To compare the effect and safety of 2 anesthetic methods using in the operation of Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy. Methods From the January of 2020 to the December of 2021, 230 consecutive patients that underwent TELD were applied with two methods of anesthesia. All the patients were divided into two groups. The Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) group used the local anesthesia (LA) with MAC that based on the combination of dexmedetomidine and butorphanol tartrate. The LA group used the local anesthesia only. Then the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) through the operating period was compared between the two groups at the time points of before operation (T0), inserting of the puncture needle (T1), establishing of the working cannula (T2), excision of the fibrous rings (T3) and immediately postoperatively (T4). Also, the satisfaction degree of the patients for the course of the operations and the occurrence of the complications were compared between the two groups. Results There were no differences of the VAS around the operating area at the time point of T0. Then the MAC group expressed lower scores at all other points of T1, T2, T3 and T4. Then the satisfaction degree of the MAC group was superior than the LA group. No difference was observed for the occurrence of the complications. Conclusions MAC based on the combination of dexmedetomidine and butorphanol tartrate is an ideal method of anesthesia for TELD with enough effect and safety.