USF-LVHN SELECT
Enhanced Visualization, Reduced Burden: Endoscopic vs. Tubular Spine Surgery for Lumbar Stenosis.
Publication/Presentation Date
6-14-2025
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Spinal stenosis is a common degenerative condition affecting quality of life. Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques like tubular and endoscopic decompression are increasingly favored over open surgery, but direct comparisons remain limited. This study evaluates their relative effectiveness in terms of operative metrics, postoperative pain, complications, and hospital stay.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-center review of 180 patients who underwent tubular (n = 101) or endoscopic (n = 79) MIS decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis between June 2021 and April 2024. Demographics, perioperative variables, and outcomes such as pain scores, infection rates, reoperations, and hospital stay were compared using standard statistical tests.
RESULTS: Both groups had similar complication and reoperation rates. Endoscopic patients reported significantly lower immediate postoperative pain (p = 0.001) and greater pain reduction from baseline (p = 0.020). No infections occurred in the endoscopic group, compared to a 5.0% infection rate in the tubular group (p = 0.045). Endoscopic cases also showed shorter in-room to incision times (p = 0.045) and reduced closure durations (p < 0.001). Hospital stay length was comparable (p = 0.138), though complications prolonged stays in the tubular group.
CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques are effective for MIS spinal decompression. Endoscopic surgery offers advantages in short-term outcomes, including lower infection risk, improved pain relief, and greater procedural efficiency. These findings support its growing role, though further prospective studies are warranted to refine clinical recommendations.
First Page
124186
Last Page
124186
ISSN
1878-8769
Published In/Presented At
Salmanian, S., Schimmel, S., Clampitt, B., Toothman, M., Allen, P., Chose, C., Carballo, C., Soto-Rubio, D., Kumar, J., Alikhani, P., & Kim, P. (2025). Enhanced Visualization, Reduced Burden: Endoscopic vs. Tubular Spine Surgery for Lumbar Stenosis. World neurosurgery, 124186. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2025.124186
Disciplines
Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
40523427
Department(s)
USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students
Document Type
Article