J Minim Invasive Spine Surg Tech.  2024 Jul;9(Suppl 2):S143-S151. 10.21182/jmisst.2024.01193.

Strengths and Merits of Transforaminal Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Spine Surgery Under the Local Anesthesia: A Review Article

• Sairyo K
• Yamashita K
• Tezuka F
• Morimoto M
• Manabe H
• Sugiura K
• Takeuchi M
• Tamaki S
• Kumon M
• Mizutani K
• Kanda Y
• Soeda S
• Kageyama H
• Fujitani J

• KMID: 2562261
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21182/jmisst.2024.01193

Abstract

In the 2 decades or so since full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS) was introduced, the procedure has advanced considerably. There are 2 major approaches of FESS, transforaminal (TF) and interlaminar. In this review article, we discuss the key strengths and merits of TF-FESS based on a literature search. First, the minimal invasiveness of the procedure allows for early return to work. Second, minimal invasiveness of the back muscles enables athletes to make a faster return to their previous competitive level. Third, the ability to perform TF-FESS under local anesthesia means it is suitable even in the elderly with poor general health.

Keyword

Full-endoscopic spine surgery; Local anesthesia; Merits