Endoscopic Interlaminar Approach Research Articles

New ipsilateral full endoscopic interlaminar approach for L5-S1 foraminal and extraforaminal decompression: technique description and initial case series.

The L5-S1 interlaminar access described in 2006 by Ruetten et al. represented a paradigm shift and a new perspective on endoscopic spinal approaches. Since then, the spinal community has shown that both the traditional ipsilateral and novel contralateral interlaminar approaches to the L5-S1 foramen are good alternatives to transforaminal access. This study aimed to provide a technical description and brief case series analysis of a new endoscopic foraminal and extraforaminal approach for pathologies at the lumbar L5-S1 level using a new ipsilateral interlaminar approach. Thirty patients with degenerative stenotic conditions at the L5-S1 disc level underwent the modified interlaminar approach. The surgical time, blood loss, occurrence of complications, and clinical outcomes were recorded. The data were compiled in Excel and analyzed using R software version 4.2. All continuous variables are presented as the mean, median, minimum, and maximal ranges. For categorical variables, data are described as counts and percentages. Thirty patients were included in the study. The cohort showed significant improvements in all quality-of-life scores (ODI, visual analog scale of back pain, and visual analog scale of leg pain). Five cases of postoperative numbness and three cases of postoperative dysesthesia have been reported. No case of durotomy or leg weakness has been reported. The fundamental change proposed by this procedure, the new ipsilateral approach, presents potential advantages to surgeons by overcoming anatomical challenges at the L5-S1 level and by providing surgeon-friendly visualization and access. This approach allows for extensive foraminal and extraforaminal decompression, including the removal of hernias and osteophytosis, without causing neural retraction of the L5-S1 roots while maintaining the stability of the operated level.

Enhancing Cadaver Labs for Endoscopic Spine Surgery: The Glove as the “Lesion”

We describe a novel yet simple training exercise for residents who are being introduced to endoscopic spine surgery. Prior to residents training on the endoscopic interlaminar approach, the course faculty performed an endoscopic transforaminal approach and inserted a small piece of a surgical glove into the ventral epidural space of a cadaveric torso. The transforaminal approach did not alter the anatomy of the interlaminar approach so the residents were able to practice as if it were a de novo situation. Placing the small "lesion" provided an exercise to confirm the residents were able to safely access the area and provided practice for them to carefully grasp the "lesion" and remove it. Prior to resident training on the endoscopic transforaminal approach, the course faculty utilized an interlaminar approach to place the "lesion". A questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale of agreement was completed by the residents to assess their experience with the training exercise. Five residents attended the cadaver lab, and 100% strongly agreed that the cadaver lab provided a realistic representation of the procedure demonstrated, the "lesion" removal added to their educational experience, and they were overall satisfied with the educational session. One of the lessons learned with this exercise that we will consider in future courses would be to place a radiodense "lesion" that could be visualized on fluoroscopy, and serve as a radiologic target to find. This can help guide the trainee in knowing where to search if the "lesion" is more difficult to find.

Removal of discal cyst using percutaneous full endoscopic via interlaminar route: a case report

BackgroundDiscal cyst, a rare disease with unclear pathogenesis, exhibits symptoms similar to lumbar disk herniation. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment for this condition.Case presentationThis report presents the clinical efficacy of the percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar approach surgery technique in patients diagnosed with lumbar 4–5 discal cyst. The patient exhibited sub-acute radiculopathy in the left leg accompanied by weakness of the extensor hallucis longus. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine confirmed the presence of lumbar discal cysts, which exerted compression on the traversing nerve root. Surgical treatment involved performing percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar approach surgery without additional discectomy under general anesthesia. The symptoms were immediately alleviated following the removal of the discal cysts, and the weakness in the toe improved the day after the surgery. No recurrent symptoms or complications were observed during the 6-month follow-up period.ConclusionBased on our findings, we posit that percutaneous interlaminar endoscopic surgery represents a safe, minimally invasive, and appropriate approach for treating discal cysts.

Full Endoscopic Interlaminar Approach for Paracentral L5-S1 Disc Herniation

The full endoscopic interlaminar approach (FEILA) is a minimally invasive technique for lumbar discectomy. It has multiple advantages over other conventional discectomy methods, including less traumatization of the soft tissues, fewer complication rates (dural injury, bleeding), rapid rehabilitation, quick return to daily life activities, and preferable cosmetic results. FEILA is a surgery with a relatively steep learning adaptation. Endoscopic surgery is a closed tubular approach, and all surgical maneuvers are performed within a uniportal single working channel. Also, the technique has not yet been standardized and well-documented. Therefore, the early learning stages of this technique may not be easy for most surgeons. Despite these, FEILA is easy, and the operation length is comparable to and even shorter than other techniques of lumbar discectomy. FEILA for lumbar discectomy could be considered a safe and effective alternative procedure for paracentral L5-S1 disc herniation. Here, we describe the technique of FEILA, including every cutoff step required to reach technical proficiency for surgeons who want to start applying this approach.

Outcome of lumbar discectomy by using endoscopic interlaminar approach

Outcome of lumbar discectomy by using endoscopic interlaminar approach

Full Endoscopic Interlaminar Contralateral Lumbar Foraminotomy for Recurrent L5-S1 Foraminal-extraforaminal Stenosis: A Case Report with a Technical Note

After endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy, decreased disc height commonly causes foraminal restenosis and accompanying lateral recess stenosis. Interlaminar contralateral endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy can be used to treat multiple recurrent lesions instead of fusion surgery. Dorsal foraminal-extraforaminal decompression is challenging because of severe perineural adhesions. Therefore, neural decompression should be focused on the ventral foraminal expansion along the virgin dissection plane between the exiting nerve root and ventral foraminal pathologies. The prominent bony spur and herniated disc were removed using an endoscopic drill and forceps. As the foramen was enlarged, the endoscope was introduced deeper through the caudal-ventral foramen space to explore the extraforaminal and far-out lesions. Postoperatively, neurological deficits of L5 radiculopathy and radiating leg pain improved. The expanded foraminal-extraforaminal space was well maintained without progression of lateral wedging on the one-year follow-up images. We successfully treated recurrent foraminal-extraforaminal stenosis and combined lateral recess stenosis using the full endoscopic interlaminar contralateral approach at the L5-S1 level. This technique may be an alternative surgical method to treat the recurrent foraminal-extraforaminal stenosis in the collapse of the L5-S1 neuroforamen. However, this technique should be considered in highly selected patients unsuitable for fusion operations.

Comparison of post-operative wound pain between interlaminar and transforaminal endoscopic spine surgery: which is superior?

Prospective cohort study PURPOSE: The objective is to compare post-operative wound pain in patients treated by endoscopic surgery between interlaminar and transforaminal approach at lumbar region. There are two common approaches for endoscopic lumbar spine surgery, interlaminar and transforaminal approach. The wound size of these two approaches is about the same. However, post-operative wound pain may differ according to the entrance area. We conducted a prospectively cohort study including all patients underwent full endoscopic lumbar spine surgery by single surgeon between January 2016 to October 2019. Wound pain using visual analog scale (VAS) at post-operative day 1 and day 14 were collected. VAS back pain, VAS leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), modified McNab criteria and complications were also collected. There were 313 patients included in the study. There was no significant difference in VAS wound pain between interlaminar and transforaminal group. Interestingly, subgroup analysis in interlaminar group found statistically significant higher VAS for wound pain at post-operative day 1 when significant bone resection was done by power burr. VAS back-leg pain and ODI have improved significantly between pre-operative and last follow up in both approaches. Wound pain from endoscopic spine surgery is minimal. This study found no difference in wound pain between endoscopic interlaminar and transforaminal approach. Both approaches show favorable clinical outcomes with few serious complications rate. Further study with long term follow up is needed.

The Novel Technique of Uniportal Endoscopic Interlaminar Contralateral Approach for Coexisting L5-S1 Lateral Recess, Foraminal, and Extraforaminal Stenosis and Its Clinical Outcomes

Background: Multifocal intra-and-extraspinal lumbar stenotic lesions could be decompressed with one endoscopic surgical approach, which has the advantages of functional structure preservation, technical efficacy, and safety. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 48 patients who underwent uniportal endoscopic contralateral approach due to coexisting lateral recess, foraminal, and extraforaminal stenosis at the L5-S1 level. Foraminal stenosis grade and postoperative dysesthesia (POD) were analyzed. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and MacNab criteria for evaluating pain disability and response were analyzed. Results: The foraminal stenosis grade of the treated spinal levels was grade 1 (n = 16, 33%), grade 2 (n = 20, 42%), and grade 3 (n = 12, 25%). The rate of occurrence of POD grade 2 and above, which may be related to intraoperative dorsal root ganglion (DRG) retraction injury, was revealed to be 4.2% (two with grade 2, none with grade 3). The patients showed favorable clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Uniportal endoscopic interlaminar contralateral approach is an effective procedure to resolve combined stenosis (lateral recess, foraminal, and extraforaminal region) with one surgical approach at the L5-S1 level. It may be a minimal DRG retracting and facet joint preserving procedure in foraminal and extraforaminal decompression.

Novel Instruments for Percutaneous Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery for Full Decompression and Dural Management: A Comparative Analysis.

Background: Post-laminectomy syndrome is a common cause of dissatisfaction after endoscopic interlaminar approach. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of our two newly designed instruments for laminotomy, a dural protector attached to the scope and a knot pusher for water-tight suturing of the incidental dural tears. Material and Methods: This was a multicenter evaluation. Efficacy was quantified as the pre-to-postoperative improvement in pain (visual analog scale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), patient satisfaction (modified MacNab score), and length of hospital stay. Safety was quantified by the incidence and location of dural tears, rate of revision, and radiological outcomes. Outcomes were evaluated between the control (before instrument development) and experimental (after instrument development) groups. Results: There was a significant improvement in leg pain in the experimental group (p = 0.03), with greater patient satisfaction in the control group (p < 0.01). There was no incidence of dural tears in the area of the traversing and exiting nerve roots in the experimental group. Water-tightness of sutures was confirmed radiologically. Conclusion: The novel dural protector and the knot pusher for water-tight sutures improved the efficacy and safety of decompression and discectomy; however, a prolonged operative time was a drawback.

Using Percutaneous Endoscopic Outside-In Technique to Treat Selected Patients with Refractory Discogenic Low Back Pain

Background: Controversy is not uncommon in the diagnosis of discogenic low back pain (DLBP) and in the identification of the location of the pain source for the symptomatic disc in patients with DLBP. Various techniques, from minimally invasive procedures to fusion surgery, are used to treat chronic DLBP, but the clinical outcomes are variable. Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy by transforaminal or interlaminar approach is considered to be an effective method to treat DLBP, but the evidence is limited; the lack of clear evidence may be associated with patient selection and surgical technique. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of percutaneous endoscopic treatment for annular tear in selected patients with DLBP by using the outside-in technique. Study Design: A prospective study and retrospective observations were performed on 24 consecutive patients with a minimum 2 years of follow-up. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Buddhist Dalin Tzu-Chi General Hospital Foundation (IRB number: 10504004) and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Setting: This research took place within an interventional pain management and spine practice. Methods: Twenty-four consecutive patients with single-level DLBP diagnosed by positive highintensity zone on magnetic resonance imaging, positive provocative discography, and block test underwent a percutaneous endoscopic procedure from January 2014 to December 2015. The transforaminal approach or interlaminar approach was selected according to the location of the annular tear. The torn lesions were visualized directly and treated by puncture and debridement of the inflammatory tissues from the outer annulus fibrosus to the inner nucleus using the outsidein technique. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score were evaluated before and after surgery. The clinical global outcomes were assessed on the basis of modified MacNab criteria. Results: These patients included 13 men and 11 women with a mean age of 43.8 years (range, 32-55 yrs). There were 15 lesion levels at L4/L5 and 9 lesion levels at L5/S1. Among them, 15 levels were accessed by transforaminal approach and 9 levels by interlaminar approach. No serious complications were observed during the follow-up periods. All except 2 patients experienced significant symptomatic and functional improvements at the 2-year follow-up with a success rate of 91.7%. Limitations: Significant limitations include nonrandom format and small sample size. Future research may focus on controlled prospective studies with larger sample sizes and long-term followup to examine the validity of this protocol. Conclusions: The percutaneous endoscopic procedure provides a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with DLBP. The outside-in technique allows the surgeons to visualize and treat the torn or inflammatory lesions directly, and the success rate is high at 2 years follow-up. Key words: Transforaminal, interlaminar, outside-in technique, endoscopic discectomy, discogenic low back pain

Percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar lumbar discectomy for high-grade inferiorly migrated L5-S1 disc: A case report with technical review

L5-S1 disc has always been a difficult disc to target by rigid endoscope because of anatomical limitations. In this study, we have described the technique to overcome difficulty faced during endoscopic disc decompression of high-grade inferior migrated disc at L5-S1. We performed percutaneous endoscopic inter-laminar lumbar discectomy (PEILD) for removal of high grade inferiorly migrated disc and preserved the functional structures. After institutional review board approval, details of the patient with high-grade inferior migration at L5-S1 disc were reviewed. The patient was operated by a single specialist with use of the percutaneous endoscopic inter-laminar technique for high-grade inferior migrated extruded disc. Description of our technique & result is the focus of this study. The average VAS score was reduced from 9 pre-operatively to 3 post-operatively & to 1-2 within 2 weeks. Post-operative plantar flexion of foot improved from 2 to 4 immediately and up to 5 within 2 weeks. Ankle jerk reflex improved from 1+ to 2+. The pain severity score on BPI reduced from 9 to 3 postoperatively. Post-operative MRI showed that the high grade inferiorly ruptured disc had been successfully removed. We obtained excellent results in treating inferior extruded disc at L5-S1 using endoscopic inter-laminar approach. Inter-laminar endoscopic discectomy can be used as a safe yet minimally invasive technique for the treatment of lumbar radiculopathy in the setting of a high grade inferior migrated lumbar disc herniation.

Percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar lumbar discectomy for superiorly sequestrated disc L5–S1: A case report with technical review

L5-S1 disc has always been a difficult disc to target by rigid endoscope because of anatominal limitations .These limitation severely hampers transforaminal approach for superiorly migrated disc at L5-S1. We performed percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar lumbar decompression (PEILD) for removal of superiorly migrated sequestrated disc and preserved the functional structures. Through this approach nerve root and dural sleeve were exposed and adequate removal of migrated disc was done, which was also confirmed by immediate post operative MRI. The clinical outcome was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) score and brief pain inventory (BPI) . We obtained excellent results in treating superiorly sequestrated disc at L5-S1 using endoscopic interlaminar angled approach.

Percutaneous Fully Endoscopic İnterlaminar Approach to the Filum Terminale: A Cadaveric Study

To investigate the utility, safety, and feasibility of a novel endoscopic technique for the visualization and surgical manipulation of the filum terminale in fresh postmortem adult human cadavers. The filums from 18 fresh postmortem adult human cadavers were explored with a percutaneous fully endoscopic interlaminar approach. After the filum was identified and the nerve roots were dissected away from it, the filum was cut. A specimen was sent for histopathologic examination. In 15 of 18 (83%) cadavers, the filum terminale could be visualized. A specimen for histopathologic examination was obtained from 11 of 15 (73%) visualized filums. Histopathologic examination revealed that 2 of them were fatty filums, 7 were normal filums, and 2 were peripheral nerves. We have described a successful and feasible percutaneous fully endoscopic interlaminar approach to the filum terminale. This technique provides a smaller skin incision, narrow durotomy, and minimal tissue damage. Animal studies are necessary to prove the feasibility and safety of our method before clinical use.

Early experience with endoscopic revision of lumbar spinal fusions.

Approximately half a million spinal fusion procedures are performed annually in the US. It is estimated that up to one-third of arthrodesis constructs require revision surgeries. In this study the authors present endoscopic treatment strategies targeting 3 types of complications following arthrodesis surgery: 1) adjacent-level foraminal stenosis; 2) foraminal stenosis at an arthrodesis segment; and 3) stenosis caused by a displaced interbody cage. A retrospective chart review of 11 patients with a mean age of 68 ± 15 years was performed (continuous variables are shown as the mean ± SEM). All patients had a history of lumbar arthrodesis surgery and suffered from unilateral radiculopathy. Endoscopic revision surgeries were done as outpatient procedures, and there were no intraoperative or perioperative complications. The cohort included 3 patients with foraminal stenosis at the level of previous arthrodesis. They presented with unilateral radicular leg pain (visual analog scale [VAS] score: 7.3 ± 2.1) and were severely disabled, as evidenced by an Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) of 46 ± 4.9. Transforaminal endoscopic foraminotomies were performed, and at a mean follow-up time of 9.0 ± 2.5 months VAS was reduced by an average of 6.3. The cohort also includes 7 patients suffering unilateral radiculopathy due to adjacent-level foraminal stenosis. Preoperative VAS for leg pain of the symptomatic side was 6.0 ± 1.6, VAS for back pain was 5.2 ± 1.7, and ODI was 40 ± 6.33. Endoscopic decompression led to reduction of the ipsilateral leg VAS score by an average of 5, resulting in leg pain of 1 ± 0.5 at an average of 8 months of follow-up. The severity of back pain remained stable (VAS 4.2 ± 1.4). Two of these patients required revision surgery for recurrent symptoms. Finally, this study includes 1 patient who presented with weakness and pain due to retropulsion of an L5/S1 interbody spacer. The patient underwent an endoscopic interlaminar approach with partial resection of the interbody cage, which resulted in complete resolution of her radicular symptoms. Endoscopic surgery may be a useful adjunct for management of certain arthrodesis-related complications. Endoscopic foraminal decompression of previously fused segments and resection of displaced interbody cages appears to have excellent outcomes, whereas decompression of adjacent segments remains challenging and requires further investigation.

Fully Endoscopic Interlaminar Detethering of Spinal Cord in Tethered Cord Syndrome: A Case Report and Technical Description.

A 19-year-old man presented with long lasting significant back and bilateral leg pain, and hypoesthesia on the lateral side of both his thighs for which he had undergone several courses of medication and bouts of physical therapy treatment. His urodynamic parameters were normal and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a low-lying conus at the L2-3 level with a thickened fatty filum, and he was diagnosed as having tethered cord syndrome (TCS). The patient underwent a fully endoscopic detethering through an interlaminar approach with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. The thickened filum terminale was located and then the filum was coagulated and cut. The patient showed a significant improvement in his preoperative symptoms, and reported no problems at 2-year follow-up. Detethering of the spinal cord in tethered cord syndrome using a fully endoscopic interlaminar approach provides the advantages of minimal damage to tissues, less postoperative discomfort, early postoperative recovery, and a shorter hospitalization.

An evaluation of the learning curve for a complex surgical technique: the full endoscopic interlaminar approach for lumbar disc herniations

Background context Compared with conventional microsurgical technique, the full endoscopic (FE) interlaminar approach is a more minimally invasive technique for the surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniations. Its efficacy and safety have been confirmed by numerous studies. However, a steep learning curve with the use of such a complex technique is a major concern for the initial adoption of this technique. Purpose To evaluate the learning curve of using an FE interlaminar technique for the surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Study design A prospective study of patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent discectomy via interlaminar approach assisted by FE instruments. Patient sample Thirty patients with lumbar disc herniation underwent discectomy using an interlaminar endoscopic-only approach between 2008 and 2009. Methods The patients were divided into three groups of 10 sequential cases each. Group A consisted of the first 10 cases, Group B the subsequent 10 cases, and Group C the last 10 cases. The clinical evaluation data included operative time, length of hospital stay, visual analog scale (VAS) leg and back pain scores, complications, and rate of conversion to an open. Results All patients were observed prospectively for 1.61±0.22 years (range, 1.2–2.0 years). There was no measurable intraoperative bleeding and postoperative infections in the three groups. Compared with Group A, the operative time in Group B was significantly decreased (p<.001). The patients in Group C had much less operative time than in Group B (p=.002). There was no significant difference with length of hospital stay in the three groups (p=.897). The improvement of VAS leg and back pain scores in each group was similar: there was a significant improvement (p<.01) at 3 months after surgery when compared with preoperative scores, but there was no statistical difference (p>.05) in the VAS leg and back pain scores between 3 months after surgery and final follow-up. The complication rate was 12.5% for Group A, 10% for Group B, and 0% for Group C. The need for conversion to an open procedure for Group A was 20% compared with zero cases in both Groups B and C. There were no symptomatic recurrences in our study. Conclusions Excellent clinical and minimally invasive outcomes can be obtained in the surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation via the interlaminar approach assisted by FE technique. However, attention must be paid to the steep learning curve by using this complex technique. Imprecise anatomic orientation and manipulation inside the spinal canal are key factors in the steep learning curve. Obtaining microsurgical experience, attending workshops, and suitable patient selection can help shorten the learning curve and decrease the complications.

A steep learning curve is a good thing!

Commentary on: Wang B, Lü G, Patel AA, et al. An evaluation of the learning curve for a complex surgical technique: the full endoscopic interlaminar approach for lumbar disc herniations. Spine J 2011:11:122-130 (in this issue).

Endoscopic discectomy of L5-S1 disc herniation via an interlaminar approach: Prospective controlled study under local and general anesthesia

Background:Open discectomy remains the standard method for treatment of lumbar disc herniation, but can traumatize spinal structure and leaves symptomatic epidural scarring in more than 10% of cases. The usual transforaminal approach may be associated with difficulty reaching the epidural space due to anatomical peculiarities at the L5–S1 level. The endoscopic interlaminar approach can provide a direct pathway for decompression of disc herniation at the L5–S1 level. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical results of endoscopic interlaminar lumbar discectomy at the L5–S1 level and compare the technique feasibility, safety, and efficacy under local and general anesthesia (LA and GA, respectively).Methods:One hundred twenty-three patients with L5–S1 disc herniation underwent endoscopic interlaminar lumbar discectomy from October 2006 to June 2009 by two spine surgeons using different anesthesia preferences in two medical centers. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back pain and leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) sores were recorded preoperatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results were compared to evaluate the technique feasibility, safety, and efficacy under LA and GA.Results:VAS scores for back pain and leg pain and ODI revealed statistically significant improvement when they were compared with preoperative values. Mean hospital stay was statistically shorter in the LA group. Complications included one case of dural tear with rootlet injury and three cases of recurrence within 1 month who subsequently required open surgery or endoscopic interlaminar lumbar discectomy. There were no medical or infectious complications in either group.Conclusion:Disc herniation at the L5–S1 level can be adequately treated endoscopically with an interlaminar approach. GA and LA are both effective for this procedure. However, LA is better than GA in our opinion.

Removal of a Discal Cyst Using a Percutaneous Endoscopic Interlaminar Approach: A Case Report

Here we report on a percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar approach using a side-firing Ho:YAG laser for the treatment of lumbar discal cyst with a successful clinical outcome. A 27-year-old man presented with left gluteal and leg pain due to a discal cyst at the L5-S1 level. A percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar approach was used to remove the cyst, achieving complete decompression of the nerve root. The symptoms were relieved and the patient was discharged the next day. A percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar approach using a side-firing Ho:YAG laser appears to be a suitable alternative treatment for selected patients with lumbar discal cysts.

Commentary

Endoscopic surgery has been successfully applied in treatment of degenerative spinal disease, but few studies have assessed its use in treating sacral metastasis. We report a successful full endoscopic interlaminar approach for sacral nerve root decompression of a sacral metastatic tumor.An 80-year-old man with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma presented with buttock pain with radiation to the right lower leg for 1 week. There was also decreased muscle power of the right lower extremity. Lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging revealed metastasis of the sacral spine and right iliac bone with S1 exiting nerve root compression. S1 nerve root decompression via a full endoscopic interlaminar approach under local anesthesia was performed. Under fluorescence guidance, a working sleeve with a beveled opening was placed in the interlaminar space of L5-S1. We entered the sacral canal and identified the S1 exiting nerve root. A laminotomy was performed from the internal edge of the right sacral laminae toward the lateral recess. During decompression of the nerve root, buttock and leg pain improved gradually. There was almost complete resolution of leg pain after surgery, and the patient recovered the ability to walk. Visual analog scale score for pain decreased from 8 to 2 after 3 months of follow-up.For patients with sacral metastasis without spinal instability or difficulty lying in prone position under local anesthesia, the full endoscopic interlaminar approach for nerve root decompression of sacral metastasis may be a suitable method.