What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Compared to traditional surgical methods, this approach involves smaller incisions and less overall strain. The smaller incisions and minimal muscle cutting lead to quicker recovery and faster return to work. Spinal surgeries are broadly categorized into decompression and fixation procedures. For conditions like herniated discs and some cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, decompression surgery is appropriate. Our institution performs this decompression surgery using endoscopy.

Our institution performs three types of endoscopic surgeries.

FESS
(Fullendoscopic spine surgery)
Complete Endoscopic Spine Surgery

This is the most minimally invasive endoscopic surgery performed using an 8mm endoscope. By flushing water through the camera to the surgical site, a clear view is obtained and effective hemostasis can be achieved. The primary conditions treated with this method include lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, and cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

MED,MEL
（Micro endoscopic discectomy,Micro endoscopic luminectomy）
Micro Endoscopic Discectomy, Micro Endoscopic Laminectomy

This is an endoscopic surgery performed with an incision of approximately 16mm. Our institution has been performing this procedure for over 20 years and has extensive experience with it. The primary conditions treated with this method include lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, and cervical and thoracic spinal stenosis.

BESS,UBE
(Biportal endoscopic spine surgey,Unilateral biportal endoscopic surgery)
Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Surgery

The latest endoscopic surgery involves making two small incisions, approximately 5 to 8mm each. One incision is used to insert the camera and flush water, similar to FESS, while the other incision is used to insert surgical instruments. This technique has become widely used recently, particularly in Asia and the United States. It is applicable for conditions such as lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis.
In some cases, where the disc is collapsed, the bone is deformed, and nerves are compressed, spinal fixation with screws may be necessary.

Introduction to Minimally Invasive Spinal Fixation Surgery

At our institution, we apply these endoscopic techniques to spinal fixation surgery as well, working to make fixation procedures minimally invasive.

LLIF
（Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

When joint deformation is present, spinal fixation surgery may be indicated. Traditionally, this involved making a 10 to 15 cm incision in the back, exposing the spine, and avoiding the bundle of nerves (spinal cord) to perform the surgery. However, with LLIF (Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion), a 3 to 5 cm incision is made on the side of the abdomen, allowing access to the spine from the side. This approach avoids cutting the back and damaging the muscles, resulting in less pain and reduced bleeding.

MIS-TLIF
（Minimum Invasive Surgery Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
Minimally Invasive Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

In traditional surgeries, a 10 to 15 cm incision was made to perform the procedure. However, by inserting screws while viewing x-rays, the incision can be made smaller, and muscle damage can be minimized.

Introduction to Other Minimally Invasive Treatments

TSCP
（Trans-Sacral Canal Plasty)
Epidural Adhesion Release Surgery

Unlike surgery that involves an incision in the back, this procedure uses local anesthesia and involves inserting a catheter through the sacral foramina near the buttocks to release adhesions around the nerves, thereby reducing lower back and leg pain. Since it uses local anesthesia, it is less burdensome on the body and is performed on elderly patients or those who have long-term persistent pain and cannot undergo traditional surgery. Indications for this procedure include lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, and lumbar spondylolisthesis.