Therapeutic Results of Chemonucleolysis in Patients with Herniated Lumbar Discs

ABSTRACT

We had experienced 60 cases of chemonucleolysis with Discase(R)(chymopapain for injection) under careful patient selection of herniated lumbar discs and had followed up thereafter at least 3 months since July, 1984. Therapeutic results were generally favorable, with 90% of patients achieving either excellent or good(satisfactory) results. Three patients only had poor or failure results. There was no major anaphylatic reaction and no serious neurologic complications. Back spasm and stiffness/soreness were the most frequently encountered complications.