Our research focuses on unilateral bipolar endoscopy UBE for spinal degenerated diseases. The traditional UBE technique with two porters on one side can achieve unilateral laminectomy for bilateral decompression, ULBD, and therefore show favorable clinical outcomes. Here we try to improve this technique to make it more efficient and safer.
The UBE technique has been increasingly used in spinal decompression or discectomy as a new endoscopic technique. The UBE technique recently has been proved to offer similar clinical outcomes compared to microdiscectomy by two randomized controlled trials. High resolution spinal endoscopes, as well as some special surgical tools suitable for endoscopic surgery, including operating tools and radial frequency abrasion tools have accelerated the development of spinal endoscopic surgery.
Besides navigation techniques are also helpful to arrange spinal endoscopic surgery. For the conventional UBE technique, it is challenging to perform ventral neuro decompression or discectomy at one side when there is bilateral recess stenosis or disc herniation. Although bilateral surgery can be performed, it'll significantly prolong the surgical time, increase breathing, and the risk of dural tears.
For the case of lumbar spinal stenosis, combined with contralateral disc herniation, we established a third channel assist unilateral bipolar endoscopic technique to perform the controlled discectomy, which allows for the vertical entries into disc space and completely removes herniated disc fragments. The contralateral third channel is vertical to the lumbar spine in the TUBE technique. In this way, the surgical tools can access deep into the disc space and remove all fragments, thereby reducing recurrence rate, and avoiding dural injury.
Compared to the traditional two channel UBE technique, the TUBE technique enables more efficient removal of the contralateral herniated disc and reduces risk of dural sac injury. Also, TUBE decreases soft tissue injury by avoiding two side UBE surgery.
