Indications for laser surgery in the treatment of degenerative disk disease of the lumbar spine.

Percutaneous laser diskectomy has recently been promoted as a viable alternative in treatment of the symptomatic lumbar disk herniation. Careful scrutiny of the literature, including the natural history of low back disorders and results of various surgical techniques in controlled studies, makes it clear that percutaneous laser diskectomy adds little to our surgical armamentarium. As surgeons, we should be encouraged to make treatment decisions in the best interests of our patients, based on unbiased, prospective scientific studies.