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From Spine Full-Endoscopic Interlaminar and Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy Versus Conventional Microsurgical Technique: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study Sebastian Ruetten, MD, PhD; Martin Komp, MD, PhD; Harry Merk, MD; Georgios Godolias, MD; Posted: 06/09/2008; Spine.?2008;33(9):931-939.???2008? Lippincott Williams Wilkins Sebastian Ruetten, MD, PhD,* Martin Komp, MD, PhD,* Harry Merk, MD,? Georgios Godolias, MD ? *Department of Spine Surgery and Pain Therapy, Center for Orthopaedics and Traumatology, St. Anna-Hospital Herne, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herne, Germany; ?Clinic for Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic Surgery, Ernst Moritz Arndt University Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; ?Center for Orthopaedics and Traumatology, St. Anna-Hospital Herne, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herne, Germany. Abstract and Introduction Abstract Study Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled study of patients with lumbar disc herniations, operated either in a full-endoscopic or microsurgical technique.Objective: Comparison of results of lumbar discectomies in full-endoscopic interlaminar and transforaminal technique with the conventional microsurgical technique.Summary of Background Data: Even with good results, conventional disc operations may result in subsequent damage due to trauma. Endoscopic techniques have become the standard in many areas because of the advantages they offer intraoperatively and after surgery. With the transforaminal and interlaminar techniques, 2 full-endoscopic procedures are available for lumbar disc operations.Methods: One hundred seventy-eight patients with full-endoscopic or microsurgical discectomy underwent follow-up for 2 years. In addition to general and specific parameters, the following measuring instruments were used: VAS, German version North American Spine Society Instrument, Oswestry Low-Back Pain Disability Questionnaire.Results: After surgery 82% of the patients no longer had leg pain, and 14% had occasional pai