Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Lumbar Endoscopic Spine Surgery Chronic Back and Leg Pain in Veterans
Location
Lions Eye Center Building
Presentation Date
30-10-2025 9:30 AM
End Date
30-10-2025 11:00 AM
Description
Objectives: Chronic back pain associated with lumbar spondylosis with/without radiculopathy is a common cause of disability among military veterans. Endoscopic spine surgery provides patients with a minimally invasive alternative that avoids open surgery. This procedure allows for more accurate and specific nerve ablation compared to needle-drive radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFA). It also allows, if necessary, foraminotomy and discectomy. Our study seeks to determine how endoscopic spine surgery improves pain and function in veterans experiencing chronic low back and leg pain. We intend to assess patient satisfaction with the procedure and measure functional improvement post-operatively.
Methods: A sample of 12 veterans of the Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VA) in New Orleans, Louisiana who had undergone endoscopic spine surgery were selected to be contacted 2-8 months postoperatively and administered a four-question survey via telephone. This survey included three Yes/No/Unchanged questions: 1) Would you choose to undergo the procedure again? 2) Are you able to walk further after the procedure? 3) Are you able to sleep better after the procedure? The fourth question was open-ended and asked about what patients would like other fellow veterans or patients to know while considering the procedure.
Results: Of the 12 patients selected, 10 completed the survey (83% response rate). One patient canceled the procedure, and the other was unreachable via telephone and follow up. Among respondents, 5 reported that they would repeat the surgery, 6 reported improved walking distance, and 4 reported sleep improvement. Unchanged sleep quality was reported in 2 respondents. Qualitative responses noted the importance of setting realistic expectations and understanding the timeline for recovery, as well as the need for follow-up appointments to manage pain in other areas.
Recommended Citation
Ellis, Marcelle, "Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Lumbar Endoscopic Spine Surgery Chronic Back and Leg Pain in Veterans" (2025). Medical Student Research Poster Symposium. 11.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/sommrd/2025MSRD/session1/11
Abstract
Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Lumbar Endoscopic Spine Surgery Chronic Back and Leg Pain in Veterans
Lions Eye Center Building
Objectives: Chronic back pain associated with lumbar spondylosis with/without radiculopathy is a common cause of disability among military veterans. Endoscopic spine surgery provides patients with a minimally invasive alternative that avoids open surgery. This procedure allows for more accurate and specific nerve ablation compared to needle-drive radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFA). It also allows, if necessary, foraminotomy and discectomy. Our study seeks to determine how endoscopic spine surgery improves pain and function in veterans experiencing chronic low back and leg pain. We intend to assess patient satisfaction with the procedure and measure functional improvement post-operatively.
Methods: A sample of 12 veterans of the Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VA) in New Orleans, Louisiana who had undergone endoscopic spine surgery were selected to be contacted 2-8 months postoperatively and administered a four-question survey via telephone. This survey included three Yes/No/Unchanged questions: 1) Would you choose to undergo the procedure again? 2) Are you able to walk further after the procedure? 3) Are you able to sleep better after the procedure? The fourth question was open-ended and asked about what patients would like other fellow veterans or patients to know while considering the procedure.
Results: Of the 12 patients selected, 10 completed the survey (83% response rate). One patient canceled the procedure, and the other was unreachable via telephone and follow up. Among respondents, 5 reported that they would repeat the surgery, 6 reported improved walking distance, and 4 reported sleep improvement. Unchanged sleep quality was reported in 2 respondents. Qualitative responses noted the importance of setting realistic expectations and understanding the timeline for recovery, as well as the need for follow-up appointments to manage pain in other areas.
Comments
Mentor: Dr. Casey Murphy, LSUHSC-Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Pain Medicine