Essential Surgical Techniques During Fully Endoscopic Spine Surgery: A Historical Review and Future Perspectives
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong, Korea
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
Abstract
- Full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS) offers minimally invasive techniques for treating spinal lesions with smaller incisions, leading to reduced tissue damage and consequently more rapid patient recovery. The essential techniques in FESS —namely, the transforaminal and interlaminar approaches—have evolved with technological advances in endoscopic systems and surgeon expertise. The transforaminal approach consists of “inside-out” and “outside-in” techniques that have distinct applications depending on the patient’s condition. The interlaminar approach, similar to traditional spinal surgery techniques, is gaining wider acceptance due to its efficacy in addressing unique anatomical challenges. Advanced procedures, such as endoscopic laminectomy and interbody fusion surgery, coupled with navigation systems, have broadened the scope of endoscopic spine surgery, making it an increasingly vital tool in modern spinal surgery.