Get Ready for 100 Years of Active Spine Life Using Percutaneous Endoscopic Spine Surgery (PESS)

Abstract

Lumbar spinal stenosis is the most common indication for spinal surgery in patients older than 65 years. After the introduction of Kambin's safety triangle, percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery has started through transforaminal approach for discectomy and is now being extended to spinal stenosis through interlaminar approach, which is an important part of the degenerative spinal disease. With the increase in human longevity, the development of effective treatment for degenerative diseases is inevitable, and future percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery (PESS) will play a very important role in maintaining the health of this 'super-aged' population. Endoscopic techniques impart minimal approach related disruption of normal spinal anatomy and function while concomitantly increasing functional visualization and correction of degenerative stenosis. Advantages of full endoscopic spine surgeries are less soft tissue dissection, less blood loss, reduced hospital admission days, early functional recovery and enhancement in the quality of life. With proper training and advancement in equipment and technologies, percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery will be able to successfully treat the aging spine.