Retrospective study demonstrates longer operative times for unilateral biportal endoscopy compared to microsurgery in lumbar disc herniation, suggesting distinct procedural trade-offs.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes, surgical parameters, and postoperative analgesic requirements of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) discectomy and microsurgical discectomy performed by experienced surgeons at two different centers for the treatment of far lateral lumbar disc herniation (FLLDH). Material and Methods: This retrospective two-center study included 25 patients diagnosed with FLLDH who underwent surgery between August 2024 and August 2025. Thirteen patients underwent UBE at center 1, and 12 patients underwent microsurgical discectomy at center 2. Demographic characteristics, operative level, operative time, intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, preoperative-topostoperative hemoglobin difference, back and leg visual analog scale (VAS) scores (preoperative, postoperative day 1, postoperative week 6, and postoperative month 6), and oswestry disability index (ODI) scores (preoperative and postoperative month 6) were retrospectively analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), sex distribution, or operative level (p>0.05). The UBE group demonstrated a significantly longer operative time (p
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Kaplan et al. (2026) studied this question.
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