Transforaminal approach in lumbar disc herniations: transforaminal microdiscectomy (TFMD) technique.

AIM The endoscopic foraminal approach in foraminal, lateral and far-lateral disc hernias, is a contemporary minimal invasive approach. This study was performed to show that the approach is possible with using the microscope without an endoscope, and even intervention on the discs within the spinal canal is possible by having access through the foramen. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-two cases with disc hernias in the medial of the pedicle were included in this study. Surgeries were performed with the transforaminal approach and microsurgically. Extraforaminal disc hernias were not included in the study. Access was made through the Kambin's triangle. The foramen was enlarged and the spinal canal was entered. RESULTS The procedure took 65 minutes on average, and the mean bleeding amount was about 100 ml. Patients were mobilized within the same day postoperatively. No permenant complications were seen. Follow-up periods ranged between 5 and 84 months and the mean followup period was 30.2 months. CONCLUSION Transforaminal microdiscectomy is a method that can be performed in any clinic with standard neurosurgical instruments. It does not require additional equipment or a high amount of investment. Application of transforaminal inter-body fusion is possible when required.