A lumbar microendoscopic discectomy(MED)is a minimally invasive surgical technique performed through a tubular device which is designed for the pain relieve caused by herniated discs pressing the nerve roots. In 1997, a new minimally invasive surgical approach for the management of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, MED was introduced. This technique uses a tubular retractor system and a microendoscope for visualization rather than the operating microscope. However, recent literature suggests that MED is an effective microendoscopic system which has a fine long-term outcome in treating lumbar disc herniation. This article describes the operative techniques and outcomes reported in the literature for MED.

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