Laparoscopic spinal fusion of L-4-L-5 and L-5-S-1 - Clinical results and effect on quality of life

Background: Patients with degenerative disc disease were treated by laparos copic spondylodesis. Clinical outcome and quality of life were then analyze d in a retrospective study. Methods: Thirty patients with a mean age of 43 years (range, 26-63) who suf fered from instability of levels L-4-L-5 (n=23), L-5-S-1 (n=3), or both (n= 2) underwent surgery. Spondylodesis was achieved with two BAK cylinders. Af ter greater than or equal to6 months, all patients completed a questionnair e designed to assess satisfaction with the operative outcome. Results: After a median follow-up of 2.3 years (range, 0.9-3.5), 23 patient s were free of pain or greatly improved. Complications included bleeding (n =2), cage displacement (n=1), retrograde ejaculation (n=3), and postoperati ve ileus (n=1). Good improvement was reported in daily activities and quali ty of life. Conclusion: Laparoscopic spondylodesis has a good clinical outcome with a l ow rate of morbidity. Notable improvements can be achieved in terms of dail y activities and quality of life; however, these improvements are moderate in degree, and patient activity remains somewhat limited.