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

Background: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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%.

Conclusions: The modified TESSYS technique is a minimally-invasive, effective and safe surgery for treating ICFE-LDHs in selected patients.