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J Minim Invasive Spine Surg Tech > Volume 2(1); 2017 > Article
Lee, Choi, Shim, Shin, and Lee: Percutaneous Biportal Endoscopic Surgery for Lumbar Degenerative Diseases

Abstract

Objective

Percutaneous uniportal endoscopic surgery is comparable to conventional open surgery and maintains the surrounding structures, but it has restrictive indications and technical difficulties in sufficient decompression. Percutaneous biportal endoscopic surgery (PBES) can compensate the shortcomings and provide sufficient decompression safely. The purpose of this study is to introduce PBES technique and to report clinical outcome.

Methods

Seventeen consecutive patients who underwent PBES for spinal stenosis or disc herniation were enrolled for this study. The technique was based on two routes; endoscopic view portal and working portal. Clinical outcomes were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and modified Macnab’s criteria.

Results

There were 7 female and 10 male patients whose age ranged from 33 to 80 years old (mean 53 years). A total of 10 patients underwent decompression and discectomy for herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD), and 7 patients underwent laminectomy and foraminotomy for lumbar spinal stenosis. The mean follow up period was 8.3 months (6-12 months). The mean VAS scores for back pain preoperatively and postoperatively at the 1 month and 6 month follow-ups were 6.6±1.8, 2.8±2.0, and 2.5±2.0, respectively. The mean VAS scores for leg pain preoperatively and at 1 month and 6 month follow-ups were 7.6±1.9, 1.7±1.3 and 1.8±1.1, respectively. The outcome of the procedure was excellent in 8 patients and good in 9 patients according to the modified Macnab’s criteria.

Conclusion

PBES can achieve effective decompression and show comparable results with conventional open surgery.

INTRODUCTION

Conventional surgical procedures for lumbar degenerative diseases, such as herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD) and spinal stenosis are microdiscectomy and laminectomy with foraminotomy respectively [5,10,17]. Over time, minimal invasive surgery (MIS) has become the preferred treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is used as an alternative procedure to microdiscectomy for HIVD and bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach, and microendoscopic decompression has replaced conventional laminectomy and foraminotomy for lumbar spinal stenosis [3,10,13]. Endoscopic surgery is comparable to conventional open surgery and maintains the surrounding structures, but it has restrictive indications and technical difficulties in sufficient decompression [16]. Although percutaneous endoscopic surgery via a uniportal route has been attempted for spinal stenosis and foraminal stenosis, it has inherent limitation, which can only remove precise target points in the narrow field. Percutaneous biportal endoscopic surgery (PBES) can compensate the shortcomings and provide sufficient decompression safely. The authors will describe the PBES technique and introduce our experiences of treating patients who have lumbar degenerative diseases by PBES.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Patients

A total of 17 patients with various lumbar degenerative diseases were treated using PBES between July 2015 and December 2015. The patient inclusion criteria were the diagnosis of lumbar canal stenosis without instability, HIVD and no previous surgery at the current site. All patients were admitted to the hospital for surgery. All procedures were conducted by 2 neurosurgeons who have many years of experience in conventional open surgery and percutaneous uniportal endoscopic surgery. Clinical outcomes were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and modified Macnab’s criteria (Excellent: no pain, no restriction of mobility, return to normal work and level of activity, Good: occasional nonradicular pain, relief of presenting symptoms, able to return to modified work, Fair: some improved functional capacity, still handicapped and/or unemployed, Poor: continued objective symptoms of root involvement, additional operative intervention needed at the index level irrespective of length of postoperative follow-up).

2. Surgical Technique

Surgery was performed under epidural or general anesthesia. The patient was in the prone position with radiolucent Wilson frame for abdomen free and all bony prominences were gently padded. A biplane C-arm fluoroscopy was used during the operation. The skin entry points differs from the target lesion(e.g. lower margin of the upper lamina, and lateral pars etc.) depending on the pathology. Cranial and caudal entry points were located 1 cm above and below the taget lesion. Alongside this, each entry points were located at 1cm laterally of the target lesion. Most cranial entry point was used as the scopic portal and most caudal entry point was used as the working portal although, not always (Fig. 1). After fascia opening and blunt muscle splitting dissection, serial dilators were inserted (Fig. 2). After removal of dilators, an arthroscope (Conmed Linvatec, NY, USA, Fig. 2) was inserted into the scopic portal. At first, it is indispensable to find the osseus margin (e.g. spinolamina junction, lower margin of the lamina, or lateral pars, etc.). After hemostasis, soft tissues overlain the bone and interlaminar space are removed. A high speed burr (Primado2, Nakanishi Inc, Japan) may be used to thin the lamina. Following this, the lateral recess and foramen are decompressed. Subsequently, partial medial facetectomy is performed using a drill or Kerisson rongeur. Ligamentum flavum is carefully dissected from the dura and then removed with a Kerrison rongeur or pituitary forcep. It is possible to operate bilaterally though the unilateral access in the sense of an undercutting contralateral lamina technique using a drill and a Kerrison rongeur. Contralateral ligamentum flavum is also carefully dissected from the dura and then removed with a Kerrison rongeur or pituitary forcep. The decompression was considered complete when the thecal sac and roots (ipsilateral or contralateral) are clearly visible (Fig. 3). If discectomy is required, using a blunt nerve hook, the medial wall of the pedicle and the lateral aspect of the nerve root should be identified prior to discectomy. Following this, discectomy can be done after retraction of the nerve root. In case of paramedian approach, the transverse process, lateral aspect of isthumus and the lateral facet are confirmed. Drilling is taken up at the lateral pars and the superior articular process, and continues in a medial direction, to expose the foraminal ligament and the inferior aspect of the pedicle underlying the transverse process. The foraminal ligament is resected using a Kerrison rongeur. Further dissections expose the exiting root and the nerve is laterally displaced with a dissector. The herniated disc materials are then removed with a pituitary forcep. The high-frequency bipolar-current (Ellman Trigger-Flex probe, Ellman International Inc., NY, USA) and radiofrequency electrode (VAPR, DePuy Mitec, MA, USA, Fig. 2) can be applied at the bleeding points. The bone wax also used for the bone bleeding. After indwelling drainage catheter was inserted at the operation site, the incision sites were closed.

RESULTS

Our subjects included 7 female and 10 male patients whose ages ranged from 33 to 80 years (mean 53 years). The mean operation time was 74 minutes (62-93 minutes) and the mean hospital days after surgery was 5.1 days (3-8 days). A total of 10 patients underwent decompression and discectomy for HIVD, and 7 patients underwent laminectomy and foraminotomy for lumbar spinal stenosis. The mean follow up period was 8.3±1.5 months (6-12 months). The mean VAS scores for back pain preoperatively and postoperatively at the 1 month and 6 month follow-ups were 6.6±1.8, 2.8±2.0, and 2.5±2.0, respectively. The mean VAS scores for leg pain preoperatively and at 1 month and 6 month follow-ups were 7.6±1.9, 1.7±1.3 and 1.8±1.1, respectively. The outcome of the procedure was excellent for 8 patients and good in 9 patients according to the modified Macnab’s criteria. The demographic data and clinical findings are summarized in Table 1. There were 2 reported procedure-related complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage and postoperative hematoma. However, it did not affect the symptoms. All patients were discharged when the safety and symptoms had been relieved.

1. Case

A 66 year old female patient presented with lower back pain and both posterior leg pain. Her symptoms had been present for about 2 years and had been gradually deteriorated. Her symptoms were not relieved after the epidural block. MR images showed canal stenosis at the L4-L5 level (Fig. 4). The patient underwent unilateral laminectomy and bilateral foraminotomy via a left approach by PBES. Following surgery, her symptoms were relieved. Postoperative MR images showed decompression of stenotic canal (Fig. 4).

2. Case

A 46 year old female patient presented with both left buttock pain and left posterior leg radiating pain. Her symptoms had persisted for the prior months and it had aggravated about 1 month ago. Preoperative MR images showed herniation of nucleus pulposus at the L5-S1 level (Fig. 5). The patient underwent partial laminectomy and discectomy via a left approach by PBES. Following surgery, her symptoms were relieved. Postoperative MR images showed the removal of herniated disc materials (Fig. 5).

3. Case

A 47 year old male patient presented with both lower back pain and right buttock pain. Manual muscle test of ankle dorsiflexion was grade IV. His symptoms were triggered 7 days prior to admission, occurring suddenly during his work. Initial MR images showed disc rupture with downward migration at the L3-L4 level (Fig. 6). The patient underwent partial laminectomy and discectomy via a right approach using PBES. After surgery his symptom were relieved. Postoperative MR images showed the removal of herniated disc materials (Fig. 6).

DISCUSSION

Many MISs constantly innovate and new MIS have been created. PELD was first introduced in the early 1980s, and was then widely performed in the late 1990s including transforaminal and interlaminar approach for the treatment of HIVD [1,12]. As the surgical method gradually evolved, surgical indications have become wider and its outcomes have become comparable to conventional open surgery [13].
However, there are still restrictions that include narrow neural foramen, high iliac crest, high canal compromise, high-grade migration, presence of large vessels in the neural foramen, and narrow interlaminar space [4,6-8,13,14]. There remain to be limited applications in definite stenosis although some reports asserted that it can be used in the operation of spinal canal senosis [9,15]. Working space and various pieces of epuipment are restricted in the uniportal system.
Bilateral decompression with a unilateral approach under the microscope as MIS are good procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis. By preserving the normal structures, a bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach may decrease the incidence of delayed instability [11]. This technique is commensurate with the results of conventional techniques while minimizing traumatization. However, this technique cannot avoid the injury of ipsilateral paraspinal muscle and interspinous ligament.
PBES could compensate for these shortcomings with its associated advantages. First of all, since the lens of scope can locate in front of the target point and there is no equipment inside the scope, direct visualization is possible to the contralateral side preserving the interspinous ligament with minimized muscle injury. Secondly, conventional equipments can be freely used, and so sufficient bone work is possible as much as conventional open surgery. Thirdly, as it is possible to retract neural tissue using one portal route, manipulation is more easily and safely carried out by equipments through the working portal than the uniportal endoscopic surgery.
We experienced some complications related to the operation as follows unrecognized dural tear and postoperative hematoma accumulation. Among these complications, dura tear is caused by low experience, which with copious experience these can be overcome. As PBES takes more bone resection compared to uniportal endoscopic surgery, the bone bleeds more, which causes postoperative hematoma. Despite the fact that the bipolar current, radiofrequency electrode, and bone wax were used to that hemostasis, hemostasis is so difficult to manage in some cases. Some studies advocate that drainage is not necessary, although our study recommends drainage.
There are some considerations to be made during the procedure. First of all, in the operation field saline needs to flow continuously to prevent increasing the epidural hydrostatic pressure and intradiscal pressure, whilst also preventing thermal injury. It also provides a clear vision and hemostatic effect. For the proper circulation of saline, it is important to use techniques which indwell a tube and maintains pump pressure to 25-30 mmHg [2]. Secondly, because of the freely movable scope and the location of the lens, this procedure allows excellent visualization of the ipsilateral and contralateral sides. Thereby the surgeon can often overestimate the degree of decompression. Since the thecal sac and the nerve root seem to be highly decompressed with a little bit of bone resection, it may not be sufficient decompression. It can be solved by more experiences. Finally, hemostasis is difficult to manage, especially when bone bleeding occurs. We recommend using a drainage catheter.
The technique is similar to open microsurgery and the learning curve is not too steep. It can facilitate neural retraction for disc removal while one portal endoscopic surgery has a limitation of neural retraction. In spite of the short observation period, the current paper demonstrates the good results of PBES for lumbar degenerative diseases. We consider this procedure can be a sufficient and safe alternative to open surgeries for lumbar degenerative diseases.

CONCLUSION

PBES can achieve effective decompression and show comparable results with conventional open surgery as a minimal invasive spinal technique.

Fig. 1.
The skin entry points. Cranial and caudal entry points were located at 1cm above and below the target lesion. Also, each entry points were located 1 cm from the lateral of the target lesion.
jmisst-2017-00178f1.gif
Fig. 2.
Ⓐ Dissector for exposure of the osseous margin and dilators for PBES. Ⓑ Arthroscope(Conmed Linvatec, NY, USA). Ⓒ Radiofrequency electrode (VAPR, DePuy Mitec, MA, USA) - useful equipment to halt bleeding in PBES.
jmisst-2017-00178f2.gif
Fig. 3.
Intraoperative endoscopic view. Enough decompression of the thecal sac, ipsilateral Ⓐ and contralateral Ⓑ nerve root was observed.
jmisst-2017-00178f3.gif
Fig. 4.
Ⓐ Preoperative MR image showed canal stenosis at the L4-L5 level. Ⓑ Postoperative MR image showed decompression of spinal canal.
jmisst-2017-00178f4.gif
Fig. 5.
Ⓐ Preoperative MR image showed herniation of nucleus pulposus at the L5-S1 level. Ⓑ Postoperative MR image showed the removal of herniated disc materials.
jmisst-2017-00178f5.gif
Fig. 6.
Ⓐ Preoperative MR image showed disc rupture with downward migration at the L3-L4 level. Ⓑ Postoperative MR image showed removal of herniated disc materials.
jmisst-2017-00178f6.gif
Table 1.
The demographic data of the 14 patients and clinical findings
No. Sex Age Level Location Operation Op time HD after Op Complications Macnab’s criteria
1 M 47 L5-S1 Right PLD 68 7 Good
2 F 52 L4-L5 Left PLD 70 4 Excellent
3 M 51 L5-S1 Left PLD 63 4 Excellent
4 M 33 L4-L5 Right PLD 69 5 Good
5 M 50 L4-L5 Right PLD 62 3 Excellent
6 F 66 L4-L5 Left PLF (UBF) 76 5 Good
7 F 39 L4-L5 Left PLF (UBF) 71 6 Excellent
8 M 58 L4-L5 Left PLF (UBF) 82 4 Good
9 F 46 L5-S1 Left F&D 93 7 Dura tear Excellent
10 M 57 L4-L5 Left PLD 75 5 Hematoma Good
11 F 52 L4-L5 Right PLF 62 3 Excellent
12 M 59 L4-L5 Left F&D 70 4 Excellent
13 M 47 L3-L4 Right PLD 76 5 Good
14 F 80 L4-L5 Right PLF (UBF) 87 7 Good
15 F 78 L3-L4 Left PLF (UBF) 84 7 Excellent
16 M 33 L4-L5 Right PLD 70 4 Good
17 M 58 L3-L4 Left PLF (UBF) 92 8 Good

PLD: partial lamectomy and discectomy, PLF: partial laminoforaminotmy, UBF: unilateral approach and bilateral foraminotomy, F&D: foraminotomy & discectomy, Op: operation, HD: hospital day

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