Foundations in Spinal Endoscopy

Ibrahim Hussain; Michael L J Apuzzo; Michael Y Wang

doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2021.11.116

Foundations in Spinal Endoscopy

World Neurosurg. 2022 Apr:160:125-131. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.11.116.

Authors

Ibrahim Hussain¹, Michael L J Apuzzo², Michael Y Wang³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. Electronic address: ibh9004@med.cornell.edu.
² Department of Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
³ Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.

PMID: 35364670
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.11.116

Abstract

Spinal endoscopy has revolutionized the way spine surgeons deliver minimally invasive care for appropriately selected patients. The evolution of endoscopy has been tumultuous since its beginnings as a "blind" percutaneous procedure to access the disk until the present state, in which complex decompressions and even fusions can be accomplished through subcentimeter incisions. Engineering has played a crucial role in this evolution with advances in optics, illumination, and instrumentation that have allowed surgeons to work safely and efficiently in smaller and smaller corridors. Finally, the adaptation of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols have complemented the benefits offered by spinal endoscopy to help patients return to the quality of life they seek through surgical intervention. In this article, we explore foundational elements of spinal endoscopy and look ahead to the future of this maturing field.

Keywords: ERAS; Endoscopic spine surgery; Enhanced recovery after surgery; Fast-track surgery; Spinal endoscopy.

MeSH terms

Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
Humans
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures* / methods
Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
Quality of Life*
Spine / surgery