Trial to Show Non-inferiority / Superiority of an Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy to Standard Microdiscectomy

Transforaminal Endoscopic Surgery Cost Outcome Research Trial

This study compares an endoscopic transforaminal surgical technique for the treatment of a herniated disc to the standard microsurgical procedure. Clinical parameters as well as health economy will be assessed.

The study hypothesis is that the endoscopic approach is equivalent or superior to microdiscectomy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• symptomatic lumbar disc herniation
• clinical and radiological evidence of nerve root compression
• failure of conservative treatment for at least 6 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous lumbar spine surgery
• severe or progressive motor deficit
• BMI > 40
• cauda equina syndrome