J Minim Invasive Spine Surg Tech.  2025 Apr;10(1):112-116. 10.21182/jmisst.2024.01830.

Full-Endoscopic Translaminar Decompression for Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis Using a 5.2-mm Working Channel Endoscope: A Short-Term Clinical Report

• Takebayashi K
• Iwai H
• Inanami H
• Koga H

• KMID: 2567504
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21182/jmisst.2024.01830

Abstract

This report examined the short-term clinical outcomes of full-endoscopic translaminar decompression for lumbar foraminal stenosis using a 5.2-mm working channel endoscope. Eighteen patients treated between January and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean operative time was 60.7 minutes, and the mean length of hospital stay was 3.3 days. Preoperative and 3-month postoperative leg pain, assessed by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, improved markedly, with the mean score decreasing from 6.7 to 1.8 postoperatively. No complications such as dural injury, hematoma, or iatrogenic instability were observed. The modified technique offers the advantage of shorter operative time, which is achieved by using high-torque drills and large forceps. Caution must be exercised to prevent iatrogenic instability due to excessive bone resection. Further research is required to validate the long-term efficacy and safety of this treatment strategy. Nonetheless, utilizing a 5.2-mm working channel endoscope for translaminar decompression appears to be a promising option for the treatment of lumbar foraminal stenosis.

Keyword

Full-endoscopic; Lumbar; Foraminal stenosis; Translaminar