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Unveiling Evolution: Exploring Endoscopic Interbody Fusion Surgery in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery — Editorial for the January 2024 Special Issue of JMISST

Article information

J Minim Invasive Spine Surg Tech. 2024;9(Suppl 1):S1-S2
Publication date (electronic) : 2024 January 31
doi : https://doi.org/10.21182/jmisst.2024.01186
Keng-Chang Liu,1orcid_icon, Koichi Sairyo2orcid_icon, Jwo-Luen Pao3orcid_icon, Man Kyu Park4
1Department of Orthopedics, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
2Department of Orthopedics, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
3Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
4Cheongju Microhospital, Cheongju, Korea
Corresponding Author: Keng-Chang Liu Department of Orthopedics, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, No.2, Min-Sheng Rd., Dalin Town, Chiayi, Taiwan Email: kengchangliu@gmail.com
Received 2024 January 16; Accepted 2024 January 18.

It is my distinct honor and privilege to serve as the Lead Editor representing Taiwan for the Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique (JMISST). Alongside my esteemed co-lead editors, Dr. Koichi Sairyo from Japan, Dr. Jwo-Luen Pao from Taiwan, and Dr. Man Kyu Park from Korea, I extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you to our highly anticipated special issue, slated for release in January 2024.

This forthcoming issue is of profound significance as it delves into the constantly evolving landscape of endoscopic interbody fusion—a key frontier in the realm of minimally invasive spine surgery. As we stand at the forefront of advancements in this specialized field, we recognize the crucial role this issue plays in advancing our collective understanding.

The past decade has witnessed a rapid evolution in endoscopic surgery, especially with the adoption of uniportal and biportal techniques. Traditional procedures like endoscopic discectomy and decompression have significantly changed the treatment landscape for lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine conditions [1]. Among these developments, endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ELIF) stands out as a minimally invasive option that shows great promise in treating a range of spinal pathologies, such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and deformities [2-4].

ELIF marks a paradigm shift in spinal surgery, characterized by its approach of accessing the lumbar spine through small incisions. This technique utilizes specialized instruments and an endoscope to facilitate fusion [5,6]. The fundamental goal of ELIF is to replicate the outcomes of traditional open surgery while significantly reducing tissue trauma, minimizing postoperative discomfort, and potentially expediting patient recovery times [7,8].

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the success and efficacy of ELIF hinge upon several critical factors, including the patient's specific condition, the surgeon's expertise, and the precise application of surgical techniques [9,10]. Given the dynamic nature of medical progress, further refinements or novel developments in ELIF or analogous minimally invasive procedures have emerged since its inception.

In this special issue, we are dedicated to fostering a comprehensive discussion that encompasses the current state, future directions, and potential challenges within the field of endoscopic interbody fusion. We are collaborating with esteemed experts and practitioners from the Taiwan Society of Endoscopic Spine Surgery, the Taiwan Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, the Japanese Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, and the Korean Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. Our goal is to provide a platform for the exchange of insights, the dissemination of the latest research findings, and the exploration of innovative techniques.

We extend a cordial invitation to researchers, clinicians, and pioneers in the field to contribute to this special issue, fostering a collective pool of knowledge that will propel the domain of minimally invasive spine surgery toward heightened precision, improved outcomes, and improved patient care.

We express our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable contributions and dedication to advancing the frontiers of minimally invasive spine surgery. We eagerly anticipate your active participation in this enriching endeavor.

Notes

Conflict of Interest

The authors have nothing to disclose.

References

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7. Li Y, Dai Y, Wang B, Li L, Li P, Xu J, et al. Full-endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion via an interlaminar approach versus minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a preliminary retrospective study. World Neurosurg 2020;144:e475–82.
8. Heo DH, Park CK. Clinical results of percutaneous biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion with application of enhanced recovery after surgery. Neurosurg Focus 2019;46:E18.
9. Brusko GD, Wang YM. Endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2020;31:17–24.
10. Pholprajug P, Kotheeranurak V, Liu Y, Kim JS. The endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion: a narrative review, and future perspective. Neurospine 2023;20:1224–45.

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© 2024 The Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Society

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