The researchers identified articles from six electronic databases for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the findings. The researchers found:
1. Patient satisfaction was 84 percent in the minimally invasive group, compared with 75.4 percent in the open surgery group. However, back pain visual analog scale scores were lower for the minimally invasive group.
2. The minimally invasive laminectomy operative time was 11 minutes longer than the open approach but the researchers noted this number may not have clinical significance.
3. There was less blood loss and shorter hospital stays for the minimally invasive group.
4. Reoperation rates were lower in the minimally invasive cohort — 1.6 percent compared with 5.8 percent — but these findings weren’t significant when only the randomized evidence was considered.
5. The dural injuries and cerebral fluid leaks between the two groups were comparable.
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