Single-portal endoscopic decompression for degenerative lumbosacral spinal stenosis: a prospective single-center study

Background. Degenerative lumbosacral spinal stenosis is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability in elderly patients. Single-portal endoscopic interlaminar bilateral decompression is a promising minimally invasive method. However, prospective data are limited. Material and methods. A single-center prospective study included 50 patients with central single-level lumbosacral degenerative stenosis who underwent single-portal endoscopic interlaminar bilateral decompression through a unilateral approach. VAS, ODI, MacNab and GAS scores were assessed. We also analyzed surgery time and 6-month morbidity. Results. By the 6th month, VAS scores of low back and leg pain decreased by 5.6 and 6.7 points. ODI score decreased by 48.2 points (p<0.001). Satisfactory outcomes according to MacNab scale comprised 80%, GAS ≥0 – 82%. Dural damage and explorations were observed in 4% of cases, and there were no infectious complications. Mean surgery time decreased from 230 to 127 min along with accumulation of experience (p<0.001). Conclusion. Single-portal endoscopic interlaminar bilateral decompression from a unilateral approach is an effective option for degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. Multiple-center studies with long-term follow-up are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and compare this surgery with other minimally invasive techniques.