Common management approaches for spinal infections include conservative administration of antibiotics and aggressive surgical debridement. Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment has been reported and is gaining widespread attention because of its simplicity and effectiveness. This study retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes of bilateral portal percutaneous endoscopic debridement and lavage with dilute povidone-iodine solution in the treatment of patients with lumbar pyogenic spondylitis. From January 2007 to December 2011, a total of 22 patients diagnosed with single-level lumbar pyogenic spondylitis underwent bilateral portal percutaneous endoscopic debridement and lavage with dilute povidone-iodine solution at the authors' institution. Clinical outcomes were assessed by careful physical examination, visual analog scale pain score, modified MacNab criteria functional score, regular serologic testing, and imaging studies to determine whether percutaneous endoscopic debridement and lavage treatment was successful or if surgical intervention was required. Causative bacteria were identified in 19 (86.4%) of 22 biopsy specimens. Eighteen patients had satisfactory relief of back pain and uneventful recovery after this treatment. The success rate was 81.8% (18 of 22). Both visual analog scale and modified MacNab criteria scores improved significantly in successfully treated patients. No major surgical complications were noted, except for 3 patients who had residual or subsequent paresthesia in the affected lumbar segment. Percutaneous endoscopic debridement and lavage is a minimally invasive procedure that can yield a higher bacterial diagnosis, relieve back pain, and help to eradicate lumbar pyogenic spondylitis. It is an effective alternative treatment for patients with spinal infection before extensive open surgery.
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