Objective To explore the indications,intraoperative characteristics and complication management of posterior micro-endoscopic discectomy（MED）for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.Methods Microendoscopy was used to establish working tunnel of minimal incision beside spinous process.Annular fibrosus and nucleus pulposus were circumcised to expand nerve root canal through vertebral plate interspace and under microendoscopy.Results Postoperative follow-up time was from 3 to 12 months（averaging 6 months）.The treating effects of 23 patients were evaluated with Nakai′s method.Excellent results were achieved in 12 cases,good in 9,fairly good in 1 and poor in 1,and the first two groups accounted for 91.3%.1 case occurred laceration of dural sac.Because of venous plexus bleeding,the 1 case was transferred to open surgery.There was no nerve root injury.1 case could not be removed with herniated discs completely,and occurred syndrome of cauda equine,and were converted to open operation with decompression,internal fixation and fusion.All incision healed without superficial infection.It took average 7 days for the patients to get off bed,ranging from 3 days to 30 days.Postoperative hospitalization was from 7 to 40 days with an average of 12 days.Conclusion Posterior microendoscopic discectomy is worthy of wide-use due to minimal invasion,quick recovery and good clinical effect.However,appropriate control of indications and skillful surgical technique are keys to decreasing the complication,and improving the curative effect.

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