Full Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy: A Literature Review

Abstract

Since its introduction in 1973, Kambin's triangle had made endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy (TELD) possible. Dr. Yeung further developed a complete spinal endoscope system and approach methods (the Yeung endoscopic spine system). With the advancement of endoscopic instruments such as the high-speed burr, reamer, and trephine, Dr. Hoogland introduced foraminoplasty methods to extract herniated disks. Since then, the surgical field of TELD has been broadly widened. Many interesting and innovative surgical methods have been developed to overcome the limitations of TELD, such as managing the migrating disk or operation at the L5/S1 level. In this article, we describe the surgical steps of TELD and discuss relevant literatures associated with it.

Endoscopic Lumbar Disc Surgery Experience with the TESSYS Technique in 253 Case Series

“…The present experience shows a low incidence of recurrent relapsed disc following the endoscopy procedure. This incident is low, if compared to the data from recently published meta-analyses [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. In our opinion, this is not surprising since we choose performing endoscopic removal only in laterally located herniated discs, and we strongly recommend this policy in the patients' selection for endoscopic lumbar surgery.…”

“…Several papers have been recently published in regard to the use, the techniques, and the results of endoscopic lumbar disc surgery. A comprehensive meta-analysis has appeared recently in a highly ranked international journal devoted to spinal surgery [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. These analyses reported the results of spinal endoscopic vs. open surgery in an extensive number of well documented cases, and concluded that endoscopy and microdiscectomy would bring the same results in operated HLDs.…”