Essential Surgical Techniques During Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Abstract

Unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery (UBE) is a popular minimally invasive method for various types of spinal disease. UBE is similar to full percutaneous endoscopic spinal surgery in that it uses endoscopic instruments and similar to microscopic spinal surgery in that it uses a floating technique. UBE is a useful surgical technique in unilateral or bilateral decompression for the treatment of spinal canal stenosis, foraminal stenosis, ossification of the ligament flavum, low-grade spondylolisthesis, and adjacent segment degeneration. This surgical technique has several advantages over conventional spine surgery, including less tissue damage, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. In addition, the early clinical outcomes are favorable, despite the potential for complications, such as dura tearing, nerve traction injury, and postoperative hematoma. The essential surgical techniques in UBE are patient positioning, portal creation, endoscopic visualization, decompression, and fusion. Postoperatively, patients may experience less pain, require fewer analgesics, and return to daily activities quicker. We present an overview of the essential surgical techniques used in UBE and the avoidance of complications. © 2023 Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Society.