Endoscopic vs open lumbar disc surgery for people with diabetes
Official title: Endoscopic Versus Open Lumbar Discectomy in Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Al-Azhar University · NCT07060846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether endoscopic or open lumbar discectomy works better for adults with diabetes who have a single-level herniated lumbar disc causing back and leg pain after failed conservative care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Al-Azhar University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Damietta) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 19, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | July 22, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07060846 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–75 with diabetes who have a single-level posterolateral lumbar disc herniation at L4-5 or L5-S1 causing unilateral radiculopathy and who failed at least 12 weeks of conservative treatment are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with extraforaminal, recurrent, or multi-level disc herniations, spondylolisthesis, prior surgery at the same level, or those medically unfit for surgery are unlikely to benefit or are ineligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional comparison enrolls adults aged 18–75 with diabetes and a single-level posterolateral L4-5 or L5-S1 disc herniation with unilateral radiculopathy after at least 12 weeks of conservative treatment. Participants will undergo either a minimally invasive endoscopic lumbar discectomy or a conventional open lumbar discectomy and be followed for surgical outcomes. Key exclusions include extraforaminal, recurrent, or multi-level herniations, spondylolisthesis, and prior surgery at the same level. The study focuses on perioperative complications, wound healing, recovery speed, and symptom relief, although specific outcome measures and follow-up schedule are not provided in the summary.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the endoscopic approach could offer similar pain relief with less tissue trauma, fewer wound-healing problems, and faster recovery for diabetic patients compared with open surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Minimally invasive and endoscopic discectomy techniques have shown comparable symptom relief and faster recovery than open discectomy in general populations, but direct comparative data specifically in diabetic patients are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age from 18 to 75 years. * Both sexes. * Patients suffering from prolapsed lumbar disc postero-lateral, single level disc herniation at L4-5 or L5-S1 level with low back pain and unilateral radiculopathy and failure of conservative treatment for 12 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * Extraforaminal disc herniation. * Recurrent and/or multiple level discs prolapses. * Spondylolisthesis. * Prior lumbar surgery at the same spinal level.
Where it's running
-
Al-Azhar University (Damietta)
Damietta, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Awad M Hegab, MD
- Email: Dr.awadhegab@gmail.com
- Phone: 00201061833482
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.