Patient selection criteria for percutaneous anterior cervical laser versus endoscopic discectomy.

Tissue trauma is significantly reduced with laser and endoscopic surgery techniques. PLDD and PEDD are both suitable for the specific indication of soft, symptomatic contained cervical disc herniations. The authors' small prospective cohort study indicates that PLDD and PEDD are options for cervical decompression surgery when medical comorbidities or preferences by patients and surgeons dictate more minimally invasive strategies.