Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System Research Articles

Endoscopic Lumbar Disc Surgery Experience with the TESSYS Technique in 253 Case Series.

Background: Herniated lumbar disc (HLD) is a widespread medical problem which can require surgery. Minimally invasive surgical management can represent an extremely valuable option for patients suffering from HLDs. Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy is an alternative to classical microdiscectomy which was proposed more than two decades ago and has evolved technologically with time. Methods: The transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technique has been introduced in recent years and offers the advantage of performing a controlled foraminal augmentation with full nerve root protection. We started using this technique in 2016 and prospectively evaluated the results of endoscopic TESSYS-based operations performed in a three-year period until the end of 2019. Selection criteria were very strict, and we included only patients with unilateral radicular pain with no instability who failed conservative therapy. Out of the 253 patients operated on in that time span, 183 were available for follow-up evaluation. Results: After surgery, there was a clinically significant improvement of all symptoms which basically lasted in the long-term follow-up. Complications were limited and generally minor. Redo surgery with microdiscectomy was required only in four cases. Obesity did not play a clear negative role in patients' outcome. Conclusions: Endoscopic transforaminal discectomy with the TESSYS technique represents a valuable management option for patients harbouring unilateral herniated lumbar disc located laterally.

Comparable effectiveness of transforaminal endoscopic spine system technique combined with selective nerve root block between far lateral lumbar disc herniation and central or paracentral herniation.

This study aims to compare the clinical effectiveness of transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technique combined with selective nerve root block (SNRB) in treating patients with far lateral lumbar disc herniation (FLDH) and patients with central or paracentral herniation (C/PDH). Between June 2015 and June 2019, a total of 204 patients (80 males, 124 females; mean age: 62.3±5.4 years; range, 51 to 66 years) with a herniated disc were included. Of these, 22 consecutive adult patients with FLDH formed the FLDH group, while 182 patients with C/PDH formed the C/PDH group. Considering that FLDH was a rare type of LDH and occurred outside the spinal canal, the patients with LDH in the spinal canal (C/PDH) were selected as the controls in our study. All cases received ultrasound-guided SNRB to identify the diseased disc and treated by the TESSYS technique. Data including demographics, duration of operation, duration of hospital stay, surgical cost, complications, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for the back and leg, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores and the modified MacNab criteria were analyzed. The FLDH group presented the similar clinical outcomes and costs with the C/PDH group. No significant differences in the VAS score, ODI score, and Macnab score were observed between the groups (p>0.05 for all). Both groups showed the significantly improved postoperative VAS scores on Day 3, at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months compared to baseline. The postoperative ODI scores at 6 and 12 months were also significantly improved (p<0.05). At the final follow-up at 12 months, the FLDH group showed the MacNab criteria rating excellent and good of 81.8% and C/PDH group showed 84.62%. The FLDH patients presented the comparable clinical effectiveness with C/PDH patients. Based on these findings, the TESSYS technique combined with ultrasound-guided SNRB for FLDH is safe and feasible with caution, although the risk of nerve root injury may be worried.

Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy for the treatment of L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation and the influence of iliac crest height on its clinical effects.

The present study aimed to explore the clinical effects of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy using a transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technique for the treatment of L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation and to analyse the influence of iliac crest height on these clinical effects. The clinical data of 76 patients with L5-S1 single-segment disc herniation treated with TESSYS at The Second Affiliated Hospital and Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between January and December 2016 were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into the following three groups according to the positional relation between the highest point of the iliac crest and the L4 and L5 pedicles in the lateral lumbar, as determined by X-ray: Group I, iliac crest height below the upper edge horizontal line of the L5 pedicle (n=42); group II, iliac crest height between the lower edge horizontal line of the L4 pedicle and the upper edge horizontal line of the L5 pedicle (n=29) and group III, iliac crest height above the lower edge horizontal line of the L4 pedicle (n=5). Changes in the postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) of the lower back and lower limbs were observed, and the effects were compared among the three groups. The mean operating time was 86.5±13.5 min. A single patient experienced cerebrospinal fluid leakage due to a mild tear of the dura mater during the operation, which improved after symptomatic treatment. The same operation was repeated in one patient due to the recurrence of disc herniation. In all patients, the VAS pain score and ODI of the lower back and lower limbs at 1 week and 1, 3 and 12 months following the operation were significantly lower than those before the operation (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the postoperative VAS pain score and ODI of the lower back and lower limbs were poorer in group III (L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation complicated with high iliac crest) than in groups I and II (P<0.05). These results suggested that TESSYS was effective in treating lumbar disc herniation. Whether the iliac crest is higher than the lower edge horizontal line of the L4 pedicle is suggested to be one of the factors influencing the outcome of the operation.

Low Back Pain Induced by Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Incision in Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy.

ObjectiveTo illustrate the posterior longitudinal ligament is one of the tissue candidates who can contribute to low back pain (LBP).MethodsThis is a retrospective study. A series of 72 patients who underwent single‐level percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy performed for lumbar disc herniation with LBP from June 2014 to June 2016 were examined. There are 42 males and 30 females. The ages of patients were 40 to 57 years, and the mean age was 49.8 years. The symptomatic disc level was at L4‐5 in 43 patients and L5S1 in 29 patients. Thirty‐two patients (19 patients in L4‐5 disc level, 13 patients in L5S1 disc level) had LBP (which was limited to the lower back and buttock area) before the operation. All of the operative approaches were performed under local anesthesia. A posterior body diagram (15 cm × 10 cm) was made for this study to record the pain distribution. The centered foci of low back pain were subjectively recorded before, during, and after the operation. The transforaminal endoscopic spine system technology was used in this study. Radiological examinations (X‐ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging) were performed prior to and after surgery. The Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were taken before and after the surgery to observe the degree of pain. The VSA and ODI score before and after operation were expressed as mean ± SD, and compared by t‐test for statistical analysis.ResultsWhen inciting the posterior longitudinal ligament during the operation, all 72 patients had provoked low back pain. Forty‐three patients with symptomatic discs at L4‐5 had pain foci in the lower back and upper gluteal region under the L4 spinous process. Twenty‐nine patients with symptomatic discs at L5S1 had pain foci in the gluteal region under the S1 spinous process. The pain localizations of L4‐5 and L5S1 were different. After the surgery, the provoked low back pain disappeared, and had not returned in any of the patients at the 6‐month follow‐up. After the operation, one patient suffered from lower limb pain that he did not have before the operation, and the lower limb pain abated a few days later. Three patients had cerebrospinal fluid leakage and were treated with higher pressure applied on the incision and bed rest for 10 days. During the 6‐months follow‐up period, the mean VAS decreased from 5.97 ± 1.10 to 2.13 ± 0.78. The mean ODI score decreased from 23.14 ± 3.28 to 7.92 ± 1.85.ConclusionsThe intervertebral posterior longitudinal ligament may be one of the tissues from which low back pain originates.

Bi-needle technique versus transforaminal endoscopic spine system technique for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in treating intervertebral disc calcification: a propensity score matched cohort analysis

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of a Bi-needle technique and conventional transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technique for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in treating patients with intervertebral disc calcification (IDC). Background PELD has gained acceptance for treating patients with IDC. The Bi-needle technique was designed to improve the efficiency and safety of PELD. Method Bi-needle and TESSYS group within each cohort were balanced using 1:1 propensity score matching. Finally, 32 patients with IDC treated by Bi-needle technique from December 2015 to September 2017 were enrolled and 25 patients treated by TESSYS technique from the same spine surgery center between January 2013 and October 2017 were enrolled as controls. Results Propensity score matching generated 22 Bi-needle and 22 TESSYS patients. There were no significant differences in visual analog scale and lumbar Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores between Bi-needle and TESSYS group. Operative time and rate of complications in the Bi-needle was significantly better than the TESSYS group (p < 0.01). Conclusions Both surgical methods achieved good clinical outcomes. However, compared with the TESSSY technique, operative time of the Bi-needle technique is shorter, and rate of complications is lower.

Risk Factors for Recurrent L5-S1 Disc Herniation After Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy: A Retrospective Study.

BackgroundThis retrospective study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with the recurrence of L5–S1 disc herniation after percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD).Material/MethodsThere were 484 patients L5–S1 disc herniation who underwent PETD who were divided into the recurrence group (n=46) and the non-recurrence group (n=438). Transforaminal endoscopic approaches included modifications of the Yeung endoscopy spine system (YESS) (the intraforaminal intradiscal approach) and the transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) (intraforaminal extradiscal approach). Demographic and clinical characteristics and imaging data were analyzed. The two study groups were compared to determine the factors associated with the recurrence of L5–S1 disc herniation. The patients underwent postoperative follow-up for between one and four years.ResultsAt follow-up, 9.504% of patients (46/484) with the recurrence of L5–S1 disc herniation following PETD when compared with the non-recurrence group showed no significant difference for time to return to work, gender, history of diabetes mellitus, trauma, duration of symptoms, smoking and alcohol history, hypertension, location of disc herniation, transverse process length, intervertebral space height, and pelvic incidence angle (P>0.05). However, age, body mass index (BMI), the degree of disc degeneration, sagittal range of motion, lumbar lordosis angle, and sacral slope were significantly associated with the recurrence of L5–S1 disc herniation following PETD (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis supported these main associations.ConclusionsThe recurrence of L5–S1 disc herniation following PETD was significantly associated with increased age and BMI, more severe disc degeneration, increased sagittal range of motion, increased lumbar lordosis, and sacral slope.

Full-Endoscopic Visualized Foraminoplasty and Discectomy Under General Anesthesia in the Treatment of L4-L5 and L5-S1 Disc Herniation.

Retrospective analysis of clinical records. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and neurological complications of full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy under general anesthesia for the treatment of L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc herniation. Full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy, which is our newly developed technique, has been used in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis. While the clinical effect, safety, and neurological complications of full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy under general anesthesia are still uncertain. Between May 2015 and April 2017, 84 patients with lumbar disc herniation were included, and categorized into L4-L5 group and L5-S1 group according to the discectomy segment. Full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy was performed under general anesthesia. Operative time, fluoroscopy time, hospitalization time, and complications were recorded. Each patient included was followed for at least 12 months. Visual analog scale score for leg and back pain and Oswestry Disability Index score were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The modified MacNab criteria were also used to evaluate surgical effectiveness. The mean operative time, fluoroscopy time, and hospitalization time at L4-L5 and L5-S1 were of no significant difference. The mean visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index postoperative scores were significantly improved over the preoperative scores. Intraoperative nerve injury occurred in one case at L4-L5, with a neurological complication rate of 2.1% in L4-L5 group. One case at L4-L5 suffered recurrence 2 weeks after the surgery, resulting in a recurrence rate of 2.1% in L4-L5 group. This recurrence case was treated by a second full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy under general anesthesia. Full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy under general anesthesia is efficient and safe for the treatment of L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc herniation. 4.

Learning Curve for Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Diskectomy in Bi-needle Technique Using Cumulative Summation Test for Learning Curve

The purpose of this study was to determine the number of cases needed to achieve the level of competence for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar diskectomy (PELD) via the bi-needle technique using the cumulative summation test for learning curve (LC-CUSUM). A retrospective design was used. We included 60 patients who underwent a single-level PELD via the bi-needle technique performed by a single surgeon. The surgeon had 5 years of experience in open surgery including the transforaminal endoscopic spine system and Yeung endoscopic spine system but no experience in the bi-needle technique. Surgery success was defined as an operative time <60 minutes, and the acceptable procedure was completed within 3 times of C-arm fluoroscopies. The LC-CUSUM was used to analyze the data. The average operative time for PELD via the bi-needle technique was 58.3 ± 12.4 minutes. The mean operative time was 65.7 ± 12.1 minutes in the early learning period (30 cases) and 51.0 ± 7.5 minutes in the late learning period (30 cases) (P < 0.05). On the basis of the evaluation indexes of the operative time and radioactive exposure, the LC-CUSUM signaled proficiency for the bi-needle technique at the 50th-54th operation. Seven cases of complications were observed during the whole learning process, with 6 in the early period and 1 in the late period (P < 0.05). The novel bi-needle technique is safe and effective for PELD with appropriate patients, and the learning curve is acceptable. A substantial learning period (50-54 cases) is needed before a spine surgeon can master the bi-needle technique.

Full Endoscopic Discectomy Using Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System Technique: A Mini Review of Complications

Background:Full Endoscopic Discectomy (FED) is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of Lumbar Disk Herniation (LDH) with increasing popularity among surgeons in the recent years. This alternative to conventional procedures surgical approach is generally a safe and efficient technique possessing many advantages such as less soft tissue trauma, preservation of dorsal musculature, and reduced perioperative morbidity and rapid recovery. However, FED is associated with a number of complications such as postoperative dysesthesia, nerve root injury, and dural tears.Methods:Α search of PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus electronic databases was used to revised the literature on complications of full endoscopic discectomy using transforaminal endoscopic spine system techniqueConclusion:In this review complications associated with FED are analyzed, emphasizing on the potential beneficial role of Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System (TESSYS) technique in reducing their frequency.

Application of continuous epidural anesthesia in transforaminal lumbar endoscopic surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare intraoperative lower back pain and leg pain, surgical time, and intraoperative X-ray dose in patients offered local infiltration anesthesia or continuous epidural anesthesia for transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) surgery.MethodsA total of 98 patients who received TESSYS treatment for single-segmental lumbar disc herniation were included, and were randomly divided into two groups: group A (49 cases; local infiltration anesthesia) and group B (49 cases; continuous epidural anesthesia). Surgical duration, intraoperative X-ray dose, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores of lower back pain and leg pain before surgery, during surgery, and 48 h after surgery were recorded and compared.ResultsAfter surgery, the VAS scores of both lower back pain and leg pain decreased in group A, and similar findings were found in group B. Group B had a shorter surgical duration, lower intraoperative X-ray dose, and lower intraoperative VAS scores of lower back pain and leg pain compared with group A.ConclusionCompared with local infiltration anesthesia, continuous epidural anesthesia was more effective for pain relief during TESSYS for single-segmental lumbar disc herniation, and also contributed to a shorter surgical duration and lower X-ray exposure.

Effect of combination of lateral recess decompression by Tessys technique and PTED in patients suffering from contralateral symptoms of lumbar disc herniation

The aim was to explore the effect of lateral recess decompression by percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic spine system (Tessys) technique combined with percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) on pain medium, nerve function and stress response in patients suffering from contralateral symptoms of lumbar disc herniation. A total of 96 patients with contralateral symptoms of lumbar disc herniation treated in our hospital from February 2015 to April 2017 were randomly divided into control group and study group, with 48 cases in each group. The control group underwent PTED, and the study group underwent lateral recess decompression by Tessys technique combined with PTED. The visual analogue scale (VSA) score and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score before surgery and 3 months after surgery were compared between the two groups. The levels of serum pain medium (prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), histamine (HA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) and oxidative stress indexes (malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) before surgery and 7 days after surgery were compared. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared at 1 month after treatment. One month after treatment, the excellent and good rate in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (85.4% vs 56.3%; P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference between VAS and JOA score in the two groups preoperatively ( P &gt; 0.05). At 3 months after surgery, the VAS score in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P &lt; 0.05), and the JOA score in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum PGE2, HA and 5-HT levels between the two groups preoperatively ( P &gt; 0.05). At 7 days after surgery, the serum PGE2, HA and 5-HT levels in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P &lt; 0.05). Preoperatively, the levels of serum MDA, MPO, SOD and TAC were not significantly different between the two groups ( P &gt; 0.05). On the seventh day after surgery, the levels of serum MDA and MPO in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P &lt; 0.05), and the levels of SOD and TAC were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the combined therapy of lateral recess decompression by Tessys technique and PTED in patients suffering from contralateral symptoms of lumbar disc herniation has a definite clinical effect, which can significantly alleviate the symptoms of low back pain and motor nerve function and reduce the contents of serum pain medium and the levels of oxidative stress. It is worthy of clinical promotion.

Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic TESSYS technique for the treatment of bilateral lumbar disc herniation in single segment

To investigate the early clinical effects of transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) for the treatment of bilateral lumbar disc herniation in single segment. The clinical data of 38 patients with single-segment bilateral lumbar disc herniation treated by TESSYS technique from February 2016 to February 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 26 males and 12 females, aged from 30 to 55 years old with an average of(35.2±6.4) years, 6 cases of L₃,₄, 22 cases of L₄,₅, and 10 cases of L₅S₁1. Using the intervertebral foramen endoscope produced by Joimax GmbH, Germany, under local anesthesia, bilateral puncture to the outside of the intervertebral foramen of the diseased segment, four-stage dilatation catheter to complete the progressive enlargement of the intervertebral foramen, and the ring saw progressively enlarge the intervertebral foramen. The bilateral foramen was placed and the herniated nucleus was removed until the nerve root was completely released. Postoperatively, the patients were reviewed on regular outpatient visits and telephone follow-ups. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were compared before operation and after operation at 1, 3, 6, 12 months respectively. At the final follow-up, according to modified MacNab criteria to evaluate the clinical effect. Thirty-six patients underwent successful surgery and were followed up for more than 12 months. The ODI score and VAS score of the lower extremities pain at 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation were obviously improved (P<0.05), there was significant difference between 1, 3 months and 6, 12 months after operation(P<0.05), there was no significant difference between 1 and 3 months, between 6 and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). At the final follow-up, according to MacNab criteria, 14 cases got excellent results, 16 good, 4 fair, 2 poor. Using TESSYS technique to remove the bilateral herniated nucleus from single segment can fully decompress for the nerve root, and can be effectively applied to patients with single-segment bilateral lumbar disc herniation.

The modified transforaminal endoscopic technique in treating intracanalicular combining foraminal and/or extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations.

To develop a modified transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS®) technique for treating intracanalicular combining foraminal and/or extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation (ICFE-LDH), and evaluate the technical efficacy and safety. Twenty-three patients with ICFE-LDH underwent the modified TESSYS technique were enrolled. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to verify the reduction of herniated disc. Pre- and post-operative neurological functions were compared by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the modified MacNab criteria. The technical safety was evaluated by surgical complications. MRI demonstrated reductions of disc herniations in 22 patients (95.7%) after surgeries. The VAS scores were significantly improved at 1 year follow-up (low back: P=0.001, lower limbs: P<0.001), as well as ODI scores (P<0.001). 22 patients had achieved excellent and good recovery postoperatively according to the modified MacNab criteria. One patient (4.3%) underwent a reoperation due to postoperative recurrence of disc herniation. Another patient complained postoperative causalgia in 8 weeks, the symptom alleviated after conservative treatment at 1 year follow-up (VAS: back, 3, lower limbs, 0; ODI: 20%). The incidence rate of surgical complication was 8.7%. The modified TESSYS technique is a minimally-invasive, effective and safe surgery for treating ICFE-LDHs in selected patients.

Effect and effectiveness analysis of different approaches of transforaminal endoscope on extirpation amount of nuclues pulposus

To investigate the effect and effectiveness analysis of different approaches of transforaminal endoscope on extirpation amount of nuclues pulposus. Between August 2011 and December 2014, a total of 165 patients with lumbar disc herniation were retrospectively enrolled and were treated with nucleus pulposus discectomy through transforaminal endoscope. The patients were randomly divided into 4 groups according to different approach of transforaminal endoscope. The posterolateral approach (Yeung's technology) was used in group A (42 cases), transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technology was used in group B (40 cases), improved transforaminal endoscopic access (ITEA) technology was used in group C (43 cases), and interlaminar approach (40 cases) was used in group D (40 cases). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, symptomatic side, and segments among 4 groups ( P>0.05). The extirpation amount of nuclues pulposus was calculated and compared among 4 groups; the effectiveness was evaluated by pre- and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), lumbar curvature index (LCI), and intervertebral height. The discectomy amount of nucleus pulposus was (3.7±0.8), (3.6±0.7), (4.5±1.1), and (3.0±0.8) cm 3 in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. The amount of group C was significantly larger than that of the other 3 groups ( P<0.05), and the amount of group D was significantly smaller than that of the other 3 groups ( P<0.05); no significant difference was found between groups A and B ( P>0.05). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was found in 1 case; no other postoperative complications including intervertebral space infection and epidural hematoma was found. All the incisions healed by first intension. All the patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 18 months), and no typical symptoms of recurrence was found during the follow-up period. There was no significant difference in preoperative lower back pain VAS score, lower extremities VAS score, and ODI scores among 4 groups ( P>0.05). The above scores at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in each group ( P<0.05), but no significant difference of above scores and recovery values was found among 4 groups ( P>0.05). The difference in LCI and intervertebral height at preoperation and at last follow-up were not significant between 4 groups ( P>0.05). The difference in LCI and intervertebral height of each group between at preoperation and last follow-up were not significant ( P>0.05). And the recovery value of LCI and the lost of height at last follow-up also showed no significant differences between 4 groups ( P>0.05). The ITEA technology can give a wider field of view than other technologies. It is more convenient to find and remove the nucleus pulposus. However, the appropriate operative approaches should be chosen according to the symptoms and characteristics of lumbar disc herniation.

Effectiveness of Bi-Needle Technique (Hybrid Yeung Endoscopic Spine System/Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System) for Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

The bi-needle technique is a new technique for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy. This technique combines the advantages of Yeung endoscopic spine system (YESS) and transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of the bi-needle technique for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and compare it with the TESSYS technique. We reviewed 86 patients with single-level lumbar disc herniation treated by percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in our hospital from June 2013 to December 2015. Bi-needle technique was used in 49 patients (30 men, 19 women; average age 40.4 ± 5.2 years). TESSYS technique was used in 37 patients (19 men, 18 women; average age 42.8 ± 6.4 years). Clinical results were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. Symptoms in both groups were significantly improved at the last follow-up (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in visual analog scale and lumbar Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores between bi-needle and TESSYS groups at last follow-up (P= 0.69 and P= 0.33, respectively). Operative time was shorter in the bi-needle group (P < 0.01). Recurrence rate and reoperation rate were lower in the bi-needle group (P= 0.04 and P= 0.03, respectively). Discitis was diagnosed in 2 patients in the TESSYS group. There were no patients with postoperative discitis in the bi-needle group. The bi-needle technique is safe and effective for treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Compared with TESSYS technique, operative time is shorter, and recurrence and reoperation rates are lower.

Therapeutic effect of transforaminal endoscopic spine system in the treatment of prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc.

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) in treating the prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc. 462 patients with prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc who were treated in our hospital from June 2012 to May 2016 were enrolled. All patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: the study group (n=231) and the control group (n=231). Patients in the study group received TESSYS, while those in the control group received conventional surgical treatment with posterior approach. Venous blood was collected before the surgery and 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery. C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and white blood cell (WBC) in each patient were measured. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of stay, postoperative ambulation time and complications were compared between the two groups. Clinical efficacy before and after surgery (1st day, 1st month, 3rd month, and 6th month after surgery) was evaluated according to visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of stay, postoperative ambulation time and complications of patients in the study group were less than those of the control group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in VAS score and ODI score on the 1st day before surgery, 1st day, 1st, 3rd, and 6th month after surgery (p>0.05). According to the improved MacNab standard, the excellent and good rate was 87.88% in the study group and 84.85% in the control group, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in CRP, IL-6, CPK and WBC between the two groups before surgery (p>0.05). Postoperative levels of CRP, IL-6, CPK, and WBC in study group were better than those in control group, the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). TESSYS has the advantages of less bleeding, less traumatic reactions, fewer complications, rapid postoperative recovery, and exact short-term effect in treatment for prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc.

Development and future of transforaminal endoscopic spine system

Development and future of transforaminal endoscopic spine system

Outcome Predictors of the Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System Technique for Single-level Lumbar Disk Herniation.

Endoscopic spine surgery has become increasingly popular. However, no study has researched the predictive factors for different outcomes. This study is the first to evaluate the outcome predictors of the transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technique for lumbar disk herniation (LDH). We performed a prospective study of 80 patients meeting the inclusion criteria who underwent TESSYS for LDH. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the outcome predictors. There were 36 men and 44 women with a mean age of 48.76 ± 15.60 years (range: 24-78 years). The mean follow-up time was 25.15 ± 9.76 months (range: 12-48 months). The VAS and ODI scores at the last follow-up were significantly improved (p < 0.001). Based on the modified MacNab criteria, the global outcomes were excellent in 34 patients (42.5%), good in 26 patients (32.5%), fair in 11 patients (13.75%), and poor in 9 patients (11.25%). The percentage of symptomatic improvement was 88.75%, and the success rate (excellent or good) was 75%. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, LDH with older age (odds ratio [OR]: 6.621; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.632-20.846; p = 0.019), high-intensity zone (HIZ) (OR: 8.152; 95% CI, 0.827-4.380; p = 0.003), and larger disk herniation (OR: 6.819; 95% CI, 0.113-4.825; p = 0.017) were the most significant negative outcome predictors. TESSYS is an effective method to treat LDH. Older age, the existence of an HIZ, and a large disk herniation were the most important predictors for a worse outcome.

Efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic spine system technique in treating lumbar disc herniation complicated withI degree stability of lumbar spondylolisthesis

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of transforanminal endoscopic spine system(TESSYS)technique in treating lumbar disc herniation complicated with Ⅰ degree stability of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods Thirty-two patients with lumbar disc herniation, aged 51-82 yr, weighing 52-93 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅠ or Ⅱ, were randomly divided into 2 groups(n=16 each)according to whether patients had lumbar spondylolisthesis: lumbar disc herniation group(Y group)and lumbar disc herniation combined with I degree stability of lumbar spondylolisthesis group(Y+ Z group). Extirpated protrusion, plasty ligamenum flavum and posterior longitudinal ligament and nerve root decompression were carried out using TESSYS technique in two groups, and in addition excision of osseous neoplasias and retro-positioned posterior margin of lumbar vertebral body was done in group Y+ Z.Pain was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)score at 1 day before surgery and 3 days and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.Patient′s function was assessed by using the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)at 1 day before surgery and 12 months after surgery.The therapeutic effect was evaluated using modified Macnab criteria at 12 months after surgery. Results Compared with the baseline at 1 day before surgery, VAS scores were significantly decreased at each time point after surgery, and ODI was decreased at 12 months after surgery in two groups(P 0.05). Conclusion TESSYS technique can be used to treat lumbar disc herniation complicated with Ⅰ degree stability of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Key words: Intervertebral disk displacement; Endoscopes; Surgery, minimally invasive

Recent Effect of Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System in Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Recent Effect of Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System in Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation