Objective: The objective was to evaluate clinical outcomes and complications of post percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy [PELD] in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and one patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent PELD between October 2013 and February 2017 were included in the present study. The Visual analog scale [VAS] at rest and during activity, the Thai version of the modified Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] and complications were recorded preoperatively and 1 day, 2 months, 6 and 12 months
postoperatively. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the mean of clinical outcomes.

Results: Postoperative resting VAS and activity VAS declined clinically and statistically significant (p = 0.001). The Oswestry Disability Index score increased significantly (p = 0.001).
Of the 101 patients, 8 patients (7.92%) had revision surgery. Of those, 4 cases (3.96%) were due to recurrence of lumbar disc herniation and 4 case (3.96%) were due to spinal instability. Eleven
patients (10.89%) still had leg pain, 15 patients (14.85%) had paresthesia, and 15 patients (14.85%) had a slight motor deficit which completely disappeared during the follow-up period.

Conclusion: PELD is a safe and effective minimally invasive spine surgery technique. However, this technique has a steep learning curve. In addition to selection of appropriate patients, successful
surgery depends on high levels of surgical skills and expertise.

Keywords: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, Minimal invasive spine surgery, Lumbar disc herniation, PELD