Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation in Obese Patients: Health-Related Quality of Life Assessment in a 2-Year Follow-Up

Transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy: should we abandon it for L5-S1 foraminal and extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations? A prospective non-randomised study and literature review

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes of transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy (TLED) in patients with L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-five consecutive individuals with diagnosed foraminal/extraforaminal L5-S1 LDH were included in this study. All patients underwent TLED, being subsequently evaluated in a 2-year follow-up period. Assessment was performed preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Visual Analogue Scale (distinctly applied for lower limb - VAS-LP and low back - VAS-BP pain) and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Medical Health Survey Questionnaire were implemented to assess pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of enrolled individuals, respectively.

RESULTS

No major perioperative complications were observed. Recorded values of all studied indices were demonstrated to feature a clinically and statistically significant amelioration at 6 weeks, presenting lesser improvement at 3 months with subsequent stabilisation. VAS-LP and VAS-BP values were displayed to reach a plateau in 6 months postoperatively, whereas all parameters of SF-36 continued to present a statistically significant improvement until the end of follow-up at 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

TLED represent a safe and efficient technique in terms of diminishing perceived pain and improving HRQoL in patients with L5-S1 LDHs. However, specific patient- and technique-related circumstances on the ground of low surgical experience may limit its effectiveness in these patients.

Comparative outcomes of obese and non-obese patients with lumbar disc herniation receiving full endoscopic transforaminal discectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the impact of full endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (FETD) on clinical outcomes and complications in both obese and non-obese patients presenting with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

METHODS

A systematic search of relevant literature was conducted across various primary databases until November 18, 2023. Operative time and hospitalization were evaluated. Clinical outcomes included preoperative and postoperative assessments of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, conducted to delineate improvements at 3 months postoperatively and during the final follow-up, respectively. Complications were also documented.

RESULTS

Four retrospective studies meeting inclusion criteria provided a collective cohort of 258 patients. Obese patients undergoing FETD experienced significantly longer operative times compared to non-obese counterparts (P = 0.0003). Conversely, no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in hospitalization duration, improvement of VAS for back and leg pain scores at 3 months postoperatively and final follow-up, improvement of ODI at 3 months postoperatively and final follow-up. Furthermore, the overall rate of postoperative complications was higher in the obese group (P = 0.02). The obese group demonstrated a total incidence of complications of 17.17%, notably higher than the lower rate of 9.43% observed in the non-obese group.

CONCLUSION

The utilization of FETD for managing LDH in individuals with obesity is associated with prolonged operative times and a higher total complication rate compared to their non-obese counterparts. Nevertheless, it remains a safe and effective surgical intervention for treating herniated lumbar discs in the context of obesity.

The Impacts of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration of the Spine, Alcohol Consumption, Smoking Tobacco Products, and Glycemic Disorders on the Expression Profiles of Neurotrophins-3 and -4

In the etiology of discogenic pain, attention is paid to the role of neurotrophic factors, which include classic neurotrophins (NTs). This study aimed to assess changes in the concentrations of NT-3 and NT-4 in the intervertebral discs (IVDs) of the lumbosacral (L/S) spine depending on the advancement of degenerative changes, pain severity, habits, and comorbidities. The study group included 113 patients who underwent microdiscectomy due to degenerative IVD disease of the L/S spine. The severity of degenerative IVD changes was assessed using the five-point Pfirrmann scale, and the pain intensity was assessed according to the visual analog scale (VAS). In turn, the control group included 81 participants from whom IVDs of the L/S section of the spine were collected post-mortem during forensic autopsy or organ donation. At the mRNA level, we noted NT-3 overexpression in the test samples compared with the controls (fold change (FC) = 9.12 ± 0.56; p < 0.05), while NT-4 transcriptional activity was decreased in the test samples compared with the controls (FC = 0.33 ± 0.07; p < 0.05). However, at the protein level, the concentrations of NT-3 (134 ± 5.78 pg/mL vs. 6.78 ± 1.17 pg/mL; p < 0.05) and NT-4 (316.77 ± 8.19 pg/mL vs. 76.92 ± 4.82 pg/mL; p < 0.05) were significantly higher in the test samples compared with the control samples. Nevertheless, the concentration of both proteins did not statistically significantly change depending on the advancement of degenerative changes and the pain intensity (p > 0.05). In addition, higher levels of NT-3 and NT-4 were noted in IVD samples from patients who consumed alcohol, smoked tobacco, were overweight/obese, or had comorbid diabetes compared with patients without these risk factors (p < 0.05). Our analysis confirmed that differences in the degenerative process of IVD, energy metabolism, and lifestyle are related to changes in the concentration profiles of NT-3 and NT-4.

Effect of Glycemic Disorders and Habits on the Concentration of Selected Neurotrophic Factors in Patients with Lumbosacral Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

BACKGROUND

Unhealthy habits, such as overeating processed and high-calorie foods, alcohol abuse, and smoking, negatively impact human health. It has been suggested that the inflammatory process and the resulting growth of nerve fibers within the intervertebral disc (IVD) fissures is the main reason for the pain accompanying IVD degeneration (IVDD).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine whether smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight/obesity, or diabetes comorbidity contribute to the development of IVDD and how the aforementioned factors affect the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) in the study and control groups (intervertebral discs, IVDs from cadavers, and serum samples from voluntary blood donors).

METHODS

The study group comprised 113 patients diagnosed with IVDD who qualified for microdiscectomy. Two control groups (I and II) were used in this study. The first included 81 IVDs obtained from Caucasian human cadavers. Control group II, on the other hand, included serum samples obtained from 113 voluntary blood donors. The expression profiles of BDNF, GDNF, and GAP-43 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Our statistical analysis confirmed that patients who were overweight/obese, smoked tobacco, consumed alcohol, or had diabetes had a higher risk of IVDD (OR > 1). Statistical analysis showed that BDNF, GAP-43, and GDNF concentrations were significantly higher in the IVDs and serum samples obtained from the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, higher levels of BDNF, GDNF, and GAP-43 were noted in IVDD patients who consumed alcohol, smoked tobacco, were overweight/obese, or had comorbid diabetes compared to patients without these risk factors (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We showed that changes in energy metabolism, habits, and lifestyle, as well as the degenerative process of IVD in the lumbosacral spine contribute to changing the concentration profile of the analyzed neurotrophic factors.

Surgical outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in obese adolescents with lumbar disc herniation

In recent years, with improved living standards, adolescent obesity has been increasingly studied. The incidence of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in obese adolescents is increasing yearly. No clinical studies have reported the use of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in obese adolescent lumbar disc herniation (ALDH) patients. This study evaluated the preliminary surgical outcomes of PELD in obese ALDH patients. Fifty-one ALDH patients underwent single-level PELD surgery between January 2014 and January 2020. Patients were divided into an obese group and a normal group. Patient characteristics and surgical variables were compared between the two groups. The VAS, ODI, and SF-36 scales were used preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate the clinical efficacy. In this study, 19 patients were included in the obese group, and 28 were included in the normal group. There was no significant difference in age, sex, duration of low back pain, duration of leg pain, or operative level between the obese and normal groups preoperatively. The obese group had a longer operative time (OT) (101.9 ± 9.0 min vs. 84.3 ± 11.0 min, P < 0.001), more fluoroscopy exposures (41.0 ± 5.8 vs. 31.6 ± 7.0, P < 0.001) and a longer time to ambulation (29.9 ± 4.0 vs. 25.0 ± 2.9, p < 0.001) than the normal group. The groups did not significantly differ in complications. The VAS score for back and leg pain and the ODI and SF-36 score for functional status improved significantly postoperatively. The PELD procedure is a safe and feasible method for treating LDH in obese adolescents. Obese ALDH patients require a longer OT, more fluoroscopy exposures and a longer time to get out of bed than normal ALDH patients. However, PELD yields similar clinical outcomes in obese and normal ALDH patients.

Effect of obesity on results of endoscopic versus open lumbar discectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar disc herniation in obese individuals poses unique surgical challenges which can influence outcomes in such patients. Limited studies are available evaluating the results of discectomy in obese persons. The aim of this review was to compare outcomes in obese and non-obese individuals; and to analyse whether approach to surgery had a bearing on these outcomes.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted on four databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL) and PRISMA guidelines were followed. After screening by the authors, eight studies were shortlisted from which data were extracted and analysed. Comparative analysis was done for lumbar discectomy (microdiscectomy or minimally invasive vs. endoscopic technique) between obese and non-obese groups from the six comparative studies in our review. Pooled estimates and subgroup analysis was done to ascertain the effect of surgical approach on outcomes.

RESULTS

Eight studies published between 2007 and 2021 were included. Mean age of study cohort was 39.05 years. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the non-obese group mean difference of 15.1 min (95% CI - 0.24 to 30.5). On subgroup analysis, obese individuals operated via endoscopic approach had significantly decreased operative time as compared to open approach. Blood loss and complication rates were also lower in the non-obese groups, but not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Significantly less mean operative time was seen in non-obese individuals and when obese patients were operated via endoscopic approach. This difference between obese and non-obese groups was significantly more in the open subgroup as compared to the endoscopic subgroup. No significant differences in blood loss, mean improvement in VAS score, recurrence rate, complication rate and length of hospital stay was found between obese and non-obese patients as well as between endoscopic versus open lumbar discectomy within the obese subgroup. The learning curve associated with endoscopy makes it a challenging procedure.

Full-endoscopic technique mitigates obesity-related perioperative morbidity of minimally invasive lumbar decompression

PURPOSE

Obesity is associated with increased surgical complexity and postoperative complications in spine surgery. Minimally invasive procedures have been shown to lessen some of the increased risk in obese patients. This study investigated whether utilization of a working channel endoscope can further mitigate obesity-associated challenges in spinal surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a single-surgeon database was conducted for all adult patients undergoing full-endoscopic unilateral laminotomies for bilateral decompression between November 2015 and March 2021. Data collected included body mass index, in operating room preparation time, procedure time, length of hospital stay, use of analgesics, complications, and quality of life measured by Oswestry Disability Index.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 174 patients. Of these, 74 (42.5%) were obese. The average age was 63.6 years. In-operating room preparation time was 70.0 ± 1.7 min for obese patients and 64.4 ± 1.5 min for non-obese patients (p = 0.02). There was no difference in operative time, durotomy rates or other perioperative complications between obese and non-obese patients. Hospital length of stay trended toward longer in the obese group, but did not reach significance. A greater percentage of obese patients were still using both narcotic and non-narcotic pain medications 2 weeks after surgery. There was no significant difference in functional outcomes between groups.

CONCLUSION

Full-endoscopic unilateral laminotomies for bilateral decompression are safe and effective in both non-obese and obese patients. The use of an endoscope can partially mitigate obesity-related morbidity in lumbar decompression. However, obesity is significantly related to increased postoperative analgesic use.

Technical challenges and surgical outcomes of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in patients with upper lumbar disc herniation: a prospective clinical study

INTRODUCTION

Upper lumbar disc herniation (ULDH) constitutes a considerably complex and rare anatomic entity. As such, there are only a handful of studies investigating the application of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) in the management of this cause of low back pain.

RESEARCH QUESTION

To elucidate the safety and effectiveness of PTED in patients with ULDH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six (26) individuals with diagnosed ULDH (L1-L2, L2-L3) according to clinical and radiologic criteria were prospectively evaluated in a 2-year follow-up period. All patients were assessed preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Clinical evaluation was conducted with visual analogue scale for lower limb (VAS-LP) and low back (VAS-BP) pain in conjunction with Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Medical Health Survey Questionnaire. Potential complications were recorded in each follow-up interval.

RESULTS

One patient (3.8%) featured temporary postoperative dysesthesia that was completely resolved at 6 weeks. No other major perioperative complications were observed. Values of all studied indices were found to be statistically significantly ameliorated at the end of follow-up. Improvement was depicted to be quantitatively maximal at 6 weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

PTED constitutes a safe and effective technique for surgical management of ULDH that merits further assessment in current clinical practice in the framework of multicenter randomized controlled trials.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Clinical efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy for lumbar degenerative diseases: A minimum 6-year follow-up

Background

Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (TELD) is widely applied for lumbar degenerative disease (LDDs) and satisfactory short-term outcomes have been achieved. However, the mid-term and long-term follow-up of this technique is still lacking.

Objective

To retrospectively analyze the mid-term clinical efficacy of TELD for single-level LDD and its effect on intervertebral disc degeneration with a minimum of 6-year follow-up.

Methods

64 patients with single-level LDDs (lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis) who underwent TELD under local anesthesia in our department from December 2014 to December 2015 were observed. Visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association evaluation treatment (JOA) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were calculated and compared before operation, 3 months after operation, 6 months after operation, 1 year after operation and at the last follow-up. Disc Height (DH), disc range of motion (ROM) and disc degeneration on standard lumbar lateral radiographs before operation and at the last follow-up were determined. Recurrence rate and operation-related complications during follow-up were recorded.

Results

64 cases were followed up for 6.4 ± 0.1 years. There were no complications such as infection, epidural hematoma and nerve root injury. 1 patient (1.67%) was found to have dural rupture and cauda equina hernia during the operation. There were significant differences in VAS, JOA, ODI between preoperative and postoperative 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and last follow-up (P < 0 01), VAS, JOA, ODI at 3 months after operation were different from 6 months after operation (P < 0 05), and there were significant differences compared with preoperative, 1 year after operation and last follow up (P < 0 01). VAS, JOA and ODI at 6 months after operation were significantly different from those before operation (P < 0.01), but not significantly different from those at 1 year after operation and the last follow-up (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in DH, ROM and the Pfirrmann grade of intervertebral disc preoperative and the last follow-up. During the follow-up period, 3 patients (4.69%) were recurrent, 13 patients (20.31%) had various degrees of postoperative dysesthesia (POD), and 3 patients (4.69%) had various degrees of muscle weakness.

Conclusion

TELD has a satisfactory mid-term efficacy, and has no significant effect on the DH, the stability of the intervertebral disc space, or on intervertebral disc degeneration. However, as expected, TELD was associated with some complications including recurrent disc herniation and POD.

Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients Treated with a Newly Designed Double Tube Endoscopy for Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcome and quality of life in elderly patients in poor conditions with unilateral symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) who were treated with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) assisted by double tubes.

Methods

This study was designed retrospectively. From June 2017 to June 2018, 31 consecutive elderly patients who were presented with unilateral symptomatic DLSS, underwent PELD assisted by double tubes under local anesthesia. American Society of Anesthesiology score (ASA) was used to evaluate the patients' conditions. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and complications were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and modified Macnab criteria. Short Form 36 (SF‐36) was used to evaluate the life quality. The CT or MRI was used to evaluate the spinal area.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were enrolled and 25 cases achieved at least a 24‐month follow‐up. Three patients were lost to follow‐up and three patients died from other diseases. A total of 76% (19/25) of the patients presented an ASA score of more than 3. The mean operative time was 67.80 min, the mean blood loss was 18.2 ml, and the hospital stay was 6.92 days. The postoperative 12‐month follow‐up VAS score significantly decreased compared with that before the operation (1.12 ± 0.73 vs. 5.12 ± 1.81, p < 0.01). Although the VAS score decreased at the final follow‐up, there was no significant difference compared with that at the 12‐month follow‐up (0.92 ± 0.64 vs. 1.12 ± 0.73, p = 0.549). So did the ODI. Also, there was no difference in the ODI scores between the 12‐month follow‐up and the final follow‐up (12.52 ± 5.58 vs. 9.44 ± 6.32, p = 0.172). The overall excellent rate was 92% (23/25) at the final follow‐up. The scores of the physical function, mental function, and social function of SF‐36 after the operation improved significantly compared with those before operation (p < 0.05). But there was no difference in the physical function score (84.00 ± 6.29 vs 84.40 ± 6.18, p = 0.871), mental function score (81.76 ± 8.01 vs 81.68 ± 6.67, p = 0.974), or social function score (115.50 ± 13.64 vs 118.50 ± 12.03, p = 0.437) between the 12‐month follow‐up and the final follow‐up. There were no differences in the VAS, ODI, and SF‐36 between the L_4/5 and L₅S₁ groups before operation or at the final follow‐up (p > 0.05). The postoperative radiology indicated the lateral recess is opened and the area of the dural sac is expanded. Two cases (8.0%, 2/25) experienced recurrence and a secondary PELD was performed.

Conclusions

PELD assisted by double tubes is effective for unilateral symptomatic DLSS in elderly patients with comorbidities and could improve life quality.

A real-time 3D electromagnetic navigation system for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in patients with lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

In this study, we present a novel electromagnetic navigation (EMN) system for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) procedure. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of the PTED with the assistance of the EMN system and compare it with the conventional PTED with the assistance of fluoroscopic guidance (C-arm).

METHODS

The clinical data of 79 patients (32 in EMN group and 47 in C-arm group) undergoing PTED for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) from January to September of 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The radiation time, puncture time, operation time, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), modified MacNab criteria, and radiological parameters were recorded in both groups.

RESULTS

Radiation time, puncture time, and operation time were significantly reduced in the EMN group compared with the C-arm group (P < 0.05). Compared with the C-arm group, a steeper learning curve was observed in the EMN group. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding VAS and ODI scores at different time points (P > 0.05). The satisfaction rates of the EMN and C-arm groups were 90.63 and 87.23%, respectively, but no significant difference was found between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference regarding translation and angular motion between the two groups at preoperation and postoperation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The EMN system can be applied to facilitate the PETD procedure. It can significantly reduce the intraoperative radiation time, puncture time, and operation time, and reshape the learning curve of PTED. Due to limitations of a retrospective study, results may need validation with larger prospective randomized clinical trials.

Implementation of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy in Competitive Elite Athletes With Lumbar Disc Herniation: Original Study and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) represents a frequent clinical entity in athletes. Surgical treatment of LDH with endoscopic spine surgical techniques has been proposed as a feasible alternative in these patients.

PURPOSE

To study the particular outcomes of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) in competitive elite athletes with surgically treatable LDH.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A total of 55 competitive elite athletes with diagnosed LDH based on clinical and radiologic criteria were enrolled in this prospectively designed study. All patients underwent successful PTED. Clinical evaluation was conducted with the well-established visual analog scale for lower limb and low back pain separately. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was implemented for health-related quality of life analysis. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at regular postoperative intervals: 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months, as well as 2 years.

RESULTS

Operated levels were L3-L4 (5.5%), L4-L5 (69.1%), and L5-S1 (25.4%). No major perioperative complications were observed. All patients successfully reached the end of follow-up at 2 years. Both visual analog scale scores (lower limb and low back pain) showed clinically and statistically significant improvement at 6 weeks postoperatively, with subsequent minor improvement and stabilization. All recorded SF-36 parameters demonstrated major clinical amelioration at 6 weeks, with subsequent minor but constant statistically significant improvement until the end of follow-up. Comparative evaluation of the SF-36 revealed that the physical function, bodily pain, role-emotional, and mental health parameters showed quantitatively greater improvement in comparison with rest indices.

CONCLUSION

PTED constitutes a feasible and effective technique for surgical management of LDH in athletes, providing favorable outcomes in terms of postoperative pain and health-related quality of life. Proper performance of technique for specific cases of L5-S1 LDH may be more challenging, and these cases should be evaluated selectively for suitability for this procedure.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy compared with other surgeries for lumbar disc herniation: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis was performed to investigate whether percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) had a superior effect than other surgeries in the treatment of patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

METHOD

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science through February 2018 to identify eligible studies that compared the effects and complications between PELD and other surgical interventions in LDH. The outcomes included success rate, recurrence rate, complication rate, operation time, hospital stay, blood loss, visual analog scale (VAS) score for back pain and leg pain, 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF12) physical component score, mental component score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score, Oswestry Disability Index. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used to pool the estimate, according to the heterogeneity among the included studies.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies (involving 2,528 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with other surgeries, PELD had favorable clinical outcomes for LDH, including shorter operation time (weight mean difference, WMD=-18.14 minutes, 95%CI: -25.24, -11.05; P < .001) and hospital stay (WMD = -2.59 days, 95%CI: -3.87, -1.31; P < .001), less blood loss (WMD = -30.14 ml, 95%CI: -43.16, -17.13; P < .001), and improved SF12- mental component score (WMD = 2.28, 95%CI: 0.50, 4.06; P = .012)) and SF12- physical component score (WMD = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.37, 1.71; P = .02). However, it also was associated with a significantly higher rate of recurrent disc herniation (relative risk [RR] = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.08, 2.52; P = .021). There were no significant differences between the PELD group and other surgical group in terms of success rate (RR = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.97, 1.04; P = .733), complication rate (RR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.63, 1.18; P = .361), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score score (WMD = 0.19, 95%CI: -1.90, 2.27; P = .861), visual analog scale score for back pain (WMD = -0.17, 95%CI: -0.55, 0.21; P = .384) and leg pain (WMD = 0.00, 95%CI: -0.10, 0.10; P = .991), and Oswestry Disability Index score (WMD = -0.29, 95%CI: -1.00, 0.43; P = .434).

CONCLUSION

PELD was associated with better effects and similar complications with other surgeries in LDH. However, it also resulted in a higher recurrence rate. Considering the potential limitations in the present study, further large-scale, well-performed randomized trials are needed to verify our findings.

Complexities of spine surgery in obese patient populations: a narrative review

The obese population is particularly challenging to the spine surgeon in all phases of care. A narrative literature review was performed to review difficulties in spine surgery on the obese patient population and techniques for mitigation. We specifically aimed to assess several topics with regard to this population: patient selection and preoperative care; intraoperative and surgical techniques; and postoperative care, outcomes, and complications. The literature review demonstrated that obese patients are at increased surgical risk with spine surgery due to a variety of factors at all stages of intervention. Preoperatively, obese patients have worse outcomes with physical therapy and present technical difficulties for injections. Transport to a hospital, imaging, resuscitation, and intubation are all challenged by increased body habitus. Intraoperatively, obese patients have increased operative times, blood loss, surgical site infections, and nerve palsies. Patient positioning and intraoperative imaging may be limited. Surgery itself may be technically challenging due to body habitus and minimally invasive techniques are becoming more prevalent in this population. Postoperatively, several studies demonstrate that obese patients have inferior outcomes compared with nonobese counterparts. Patient selection is a key for elective interventions, and appropriate infrastructure aids in the ultimate outcomes for both elective and nonelective surgical treatments. Overall, obese patients present several challenges to the spine surgeon, and certain precautions can be undertaken preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively to mitigate the associated risks to optimize outcomes.

Risk Factors for Recurrent L5-S1 Disc Herniation After Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy: A Retrospective Study

Background

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with the recurrence of L5–S1 disc herniation after percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD).

Material/Methods

There were 484 patients L5–S1 disc herniation who underwent PETD who were divided into the recurrence group (n=46) and the non-recurrence group (n=438). Transforaminal endoscopic approaches included modifications of the Yeung endoscopy spine system (YESS) (the intraforaminal intradiscal approach) and the transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) (intraforaminal extradiscal approach). Demographic and clinical characteristics and imaging data were analyzed. The two study groups were compared to determine the factors associated with the recurrence of L5–S1 disc herniation. The patients underwent postoperative follow-up for between one and four years.

Results

At follow-up, 9.504% of patients (46/484) with the recurrence of L5–S1 disc herniation following PETD when compared with the non-recurrence group showed no significant difference for time to return to work, gender, history of diabetes mellitus, trauma, duration of symptoms, smoking and alcohol history, hypertension, location of disc herniation, transverse process length, intervertebral space height, and pelvic incidence angle (P>0.05). However, age, body mass index (BMI), the degree of disc degeneration, sagittal range of motion, lumbar lordosis angle, and sacral slope were significantly associated with the recurrence of L5–S1 disc herniation following PETD (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis supported these main associations.

Conclusions

The recurrence of L5–S1 disc herniation following PETD was significantly associated with increased age and BMI, more severe disc degeneration, increased sagittal range of motion, increased lumbar lordosis, and sacral slope.

LUMBAR ENDOSCOPIC DISCECTOMY IN OBESE PATIENTS

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional results of endoscopic lumbar discectomy in obese patients. Methods We selected 56 patients with lumbar disc hernia refractory to clinical treatment that underwent endoscopic discectomy. Twenty-five patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m 2 were analyzed through the Visual Analogue Scale and functional evaluation using the Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire and compared to 31 patients in the control group (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m 2 ). These data were obtained in the preoperative period, in the immediate postoperative period, at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and one year after surgery. Results The mean BMI in the control group was 22.1 kg/m 2 , and in the obese group, 33.6 kg/m 2 . In both groups there was a statistically significant improvement in clinical and functional analyzes. There was no statistical difference between the groups. Conclusions Lumbar transforaminal endoscopic discectomy has been shown to be a safe, effective and minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation in obese patients. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective and Comparative Study.

Current state of minimally invasive spine surgery

Over the past two decades, minimally invasive surgical approaches have become increasingly feasible, efficient and popular for the management of a wide range of spinal disorders, with a growing body of research demonstrating numerous advantages of these techniques over the traditional open approach. In this article, we review the technologies and innovations that are expanding the horizon of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), and highlight high-quality peer-reviewed literature in the past year that expands our knowledge and understanding of indications, advantages and limitations of MISS.

A Pilot Study of Percutaneous Interlaminar Endoscopic Lumbar Sequestrectomy: A Modern Strategy to Tackle Medically-Refractory Radiculopathies and Restore Spinal Function

Objective

Angled scopes allow 360° visualization, which makes percutaneous endoscopic techniques (percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, PELD) particularly attractive for sequestrectomies, which entail the removal of extruded lumbar disc fragments that have migrated caudally or cranially between the ligaments, foramina, and neural structures, while preserving the disc. Although many different PELD techniques are currently available, not all of them are suitable for sequestrectomies; furthermore, long-term follow-up data are unfortunately lacking.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted on a cohort of 270 patients with lumbar radiculopathy undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery (PELD or microdiscectomy), of whom only 7 were eligible for endoscopic interlaminar sequestrectomy with disc preservation. The patients’ baseline conditions and clinical outcomes were measured with the Oswestry Disability Index and a visual analogue scale. Long-term follow-up was conducted using satisfaction questionnaires that were based on the MacNab criteria and administered by medical/nursing personnel not involved in their primary surgical management.

Results

EasyGo system was eventually used in 5 PELD cases. No dural tears, infections, or nerve root injuries were recorded in patients undergoing sequestrectomy. Surgical events, including blood loss and overall length of hospital stay, did not differ significantly among the 270 patients. In the group treated with endoscopic sequestrectomy, no recurrences or complications were noted during a follow-up of 3 years, and an excellent degree of satisfaction was reported.

Conclusion

We provide OCEBM (Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine) level 3 evidence that interlaminar endoscopic sequestrectomy is a tailored and well-tolerated surgical option; nonetheless, a cost-effectiveness analysis assessing the interval until return to working activities and long-term benefits is warranted.

The Role of Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy in Surgical Treatment of Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Health-Related Quality of Life Approach

Objective

To investigate the utility of full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) in surgical treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH).

Methods

Forty-five patients were prospectively studied. All patients were subjected to FELD for RLDH. They were assessed preoperatively and in regular intervals at 6 weeks and 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Evaluation was conducted with visual analogue scale for leg (VAS-LP) and low back (VAS-BP) pain. Short-Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire was utilized for health-related quality of life assessment.

Results

All studied parameters featured statistically significant amelioration at all follow-up intervals. Maximal improvement was in general at 6 weeks observed, with subsequent lesser improvement until 6 months and stabilization until the end of follow-up. Comparative assessment indicated that VAS-BP displayed quantitatively lower improvement, whereas physical function, bodily pain, and role-emotional parameters demonstrated greater amelioration.

Conclusion

FELD is associated with a favorable impact in postoperative daily life of patients with RLDH.

Full Endoscopic Discectomy Using Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System Technique: A Mini Review of Complications

Background:

Full Endoscopic Discectomy (FED) is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of Lumbar Disk Herniation (LDH) with increasing popularity among surgeons in the recent years. This alternative to conventional procedures surgical approach is generally a safe and efficient technique possessing many advantages such as less soft tissue trauma, preservation of dorsal musculature, and reduced perioperative morbidity and rapid recovery. However, FED is associated with a number of complications such as postoperative dysesthesia, nerve root injury, and dural tears.

Methods:

Α search of PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus electronic databases was used to revised the literature on complications of full endoscopic discectomy using transforaminal endoscopic spine system technique

Conclusion:

In this review complications associated with FED are analyzed, emphasizing on the potential beneficial role of Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System (TESSYS) technique in reducing their frequency.

The Role of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Surgery in Lateral Recess Stenosis in Elderly Patients

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic surgery (PTES) for lateral recess stenosis (LRS)(LRS) in elderly patients and to assess patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Overview of Literature

PTES is an increasingly used surgical approach, primarily employed for lumbar disc herniation treatment. However, indications for PTES have been increasing in recent years. PTES has been recommended as a beneficial alternative to open decompression surgery in specific LRS cases; PTES is termed as percutaneous endoscopic ventral facetectomy (PEVF) in such cases.

Methods

In total, 65 elderly patients with LRS were prospectively studied. Patients presented severe comorbidities (coronary insufficiency, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory failure); thus, general anesthesia administration would potentially cause considerable hazards. All the patients underwent successful PEVF in 2015–2016. The patients were assessed preoperatively and at 6 weeks; 3, 6, and 12 months; and 2 years postoperatively. Patients’ objective assessment was conducted according to specific clinical scales; the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was separately used for leg and low-back pain (VAS-LP and VAS-BP, respectively), whereas the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire was used for the HRQoL evaluation.

Results

All studied parameters presented maximal improvement at 6 weeks postoperatively, with less enhancement at 3 and 6 months with subsequent stabilization. Statistical significance was found in all follow-up intervals for all parameters (p<0.05). Parameters with maximal absolute amelioration were VAS-LP, bodily pain, and role limitations due to physical health problems. In contrast, VAS-BP, general health, and mental health were comparatively less enhanced.

Conclusions

PEVF was associated with remarkably enhanced HRQoL 2 years postoperatively. PEVF is thus a safe and effective alternative for LRS surgical management in elderly patients with severe comorbidities.

Concentric Stereotactic Technique of Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy and Radiation Exposure to Surgeons

OBJECTIVE

In percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD), surgeons are exposed to intraoperative radiographic radiation over a long-term career, which may be correlated with high risk of iatrogenic radiation hazards. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to assess the impact of concentric stereotactic technique on radiation exposure to surgeons in PETD.

METHODS

Patients who underwent conventional PETD were regarded as group A, whereas those undergoing PETD with concentric stereotactic technique were considered as group B. The primary outcomes were cumulative radiation dose to the surgeon's eye, thyroid gland, and breast.

RESULTS

A total of 34 patients were treated in group A and 30 patients were treated in group B. The cumulative radiation dose of the eye per operation was 0.017 (0.58/34) mSv in group A and 0.010 (0.31/30) mSv in group B, which meant a reduction of 41.18%. The cumulative radiation dose of the thyroid gland per operation was 0.018 (0.60/34) mSv in group A and 0.011 (0.33/30) mSv in group B, which meant a reduction of 38.89%. The cumulative radiation dose of the chest per operation was 0.039 (1.33/34) mSv in group A and 0.023 (0.70/30) mSv in group B, which meant a reduction of 41.03%. There were no significant differences in hospital stay, visual analog scale score of waist and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index score, MacNab satisfaction, and complications between the 2 groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The concentric stereotactic technique can effectively reduce radiation exposure to surgeons by about 40%.

Percutaneous endoscopic ventral facetectomy: An innovative substitute of open decompression surgery for lateral recess stenosis surgical treatment?

Background:

Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic surgery (PTES) constitutes an innovative method principally recruited for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Indication spectrum of PTES is constantly widened in current years. Hence, PTES has been proposed to represent a satisfactory alternative for the treatment of lateral recess stenosis (LRS), being defined as percutaneous endoscopic ventral facetectomy (PEVF) in these cases. The aim of this original study is to determine, for the first time in the literature, the outcomes of PEVF, especially in otherwise healthy nonelderly patients with LRS, alongside with special focus in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty-five otherwise healthy individuals from 58 to 64 years were diagnosed with LRS, being subjected to successful PEVF. Patients were prospectively evaluated in 6 weeks, in 3, 6, and 12 months, and in 2 years postoperatively. Visual analog scales (VASs) were separately utilized for leg and low back pain evaluation (VAS-LP and VAS-BP, respectively), whereas Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was sequentially implemented for HRQoL assessment.

Results:

All indexes of SF-36 as well as VAS-LP featured maximal amelioration in 6 weeks postoperatively, with subsequent further enhancement until 3 months and successor stabilization until 2 years. In contrast, VAS-BP presented minimal quantitative amelioration in 6 weeks, featuring no additional alterations. Values of all indexes in all follow-up intervals were demonstrated to be statistically significant in comparison with preoperative values (P < 0.05). No remarkable differentiation was observed between distinct parameters of SF-36.

Conclusions:

PEVF implementation in nonelderly patients with LRS was displayed to be safe and effective, providing alongside considerable improvement in HRQoL 2 years postoperatively.