Our Summary

This study looked at the effectiveness of a specific type of minimally invasive surgery for treating degenerative spine problems. The surgery, called percutaneous bilateral endoscopy, includes two processes: microendoscopic trans-Kambin’s triangle lumbar interbody fusion and percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal decompression. This method was tested on 29 patients between May 2016 and September 2018.

The researchers found that the average blood loss during surgery was fairly low and recovery times were short. Most patients were up and moving within two days and were discharged from the hospital within three days. The results also showed that the surgery significantly improved patients’ pain and disability levels. Out of the 29 patients, 26 had good to excellent results from the surgery and 28 out of 29 showed solid fusion (meaning the bones in the spine healed together properly).

The researchers concluded that this type of surgery is a safe and effective treatment for degenerative spine problems. It also has the added benefit of preserving more of the patient’s natural spine structure. As such, it could be a good option for spinal fusion surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is percutaneous bilateral endoscopy surgery?
  2. What were the results of the study on the effectiveness of percutaneous bilateral endoscopy surgery for treating degenerative spine problems?
  3. What are the benefits of this type of surgery for degenerative spine problems?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lumbar fusion is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including proper wound care, physical therapy, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper nutrition can help support the healing process and prevent future spine issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended lumbar fusion surgery include those with degenerative spine conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or spinal instability. These conditions can cause chronic back pain, leg pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking. Patients who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections may be candidates for lumbar fusion surgery. Additionally, patients with severe spinal deformities or fractures may also benefit from lumbar fusion surgery.

Timeline

Before lumbar fusion:

  1. Patient experiences chronic back pain and other symptoms related to degenerative spine problems.
  2. Patient undergoes various non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections to manage symptoms.
  3. Patient undergoes imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to assess the extent of spine damage.
  4. Based on the severity of the condition, the patient and their healthcare provider decide on lumbar fusion surgery as the treatment option.

After lumbar fusion:

  1. Patient undergoes minimally invasive surgery like percutaneous bilateral endoscopy for lumbar fusion.
  2. Surgery is successful with low blood loss and short recovery times.
  3. Patient is up and moving within two days post-surgery and discharged from the hospital within three days.
  4. Patient experiences significant improvement in pain and disability levels post-surgery.
  5. Follow-up visits show good to excellent results in most patients and solid fusion in the spine for the majority.
  6. Patient is able to resume normal activities with reduced pain and improved mobility.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  • What are the potential risks and complications associated with lumbar fusion surgery?
  • What is the success rate of this specific type of minimally invasive surgery compared to traditional open surgery?
  • What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after lumbar fusion surgery?
  • Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered before opting for surgery?
  • How long do the effects of the surgery typically last, and are there any long-term considerations to keep in mind?
  • Will I need physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation after the surgery?
  • What are the specific criteria for determining if I am a suitable candidate for this type of surgery?
  • What type of follow-up care and monitoring will be necessary after the surgery?
  • Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?
  • How soon can I expect to see improvements in my pain and mobility after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Chen H, Zhang H, Yang E, Ling Q, He E. Journal: Biomed Res Int. 2022 Apr 11;2022:2227679. doi: 10.1155/2022/2227679. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35445131