Abstract
Background:
Open lumbar microdiscectomy (OLM) has been considered the gold standard in the
management of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) because of its favorable outcomes in long-term
follow up. Nowadays, minimally invasive discectomy (MID) is gaining recognition due to its
advantages. The advantages of endoscopic lumbar discectomy includes clear visualization, less
injury to the paraspinal muscle, protection of spinal stiffness and dynamic structure, better
cosmetic effect, less postoperative symptoms, and less open surgery-related complications with
subsequent earlier return to work.