Background: A postoperative discal pseudocyst (PDP) is a cystic lesion that is formed in the operation area of the intervertebral disc, leading to recurrence or even worse symptoms. To our knowledge, to date, there is no research focusing specifically on PDP following percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID).
Case presentation: We present the case of a 27-year-old man with L5 S1 intervertebral disc herniation who was treated with PEID after failed conservative treatment. His leg pain was relieved immediately but reoccurred on the 40th day. MRI showed a PDP. Because loxoprofen and bedrest were ineffective and the patient was anxious, we performed a cystectomy. The patient's symptoms were significantly relieved, and a 6-month follow up showed no recurrence both clinically and on MRI.
Conclusion: A PDP is more likely to form using the interlaminar approach than the transforaminal approach. For patients with mental stress, severe pain, and neurological symptoms, surgery is suggested to remove the cyst. Discectomy cannot be performed when disc degeneration is mild.
Keywords: Percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy; Postoperative discal pseudocyst; Surgical treatment.
© 2020 The Authors. Orthopaedic Surgery published by Chinese Orthopaedic Association and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.