Neurosurgery
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The transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) technique, pioneered by Harms and Rolinger in 1982 and further refined in the early 2000s by Rosenberg and Mummaneni and later by Foley and Lefkowitz, uses Kambin triangle to access the disc space, thecal sac, and nerve roots. The minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approach to TLIF minimizes soft tissue disruption and spinal segment destabilization, offering benefits such as reduced operative times, blood loss, complications, and postoperative opiate use, with comparable fusion rates to open techniques. Despite these advantages, MIS interbody selection poses challenges, with the MIS TLIF preferred for L4-5 fusions when lordosis restoration is not needed. ⋯ Awake MIS TLIF, incorporating conscious sedation and local anesthesia, offers additional benefits of faster discharge and reduced postoperative pain. Some authors have also started using endoscopic techniques as well to further minimize tissue trauma. The integration of these advanced techniques and technologies in MIS TLIF continues to improve surgical outcomes and expands the applicability of this minimally invasive approach, making it a valuable tool in spine surgery.
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Review Case Reports
Biportal Versus Uniportal Lumbar Decompression-Indications and Efficacy: A Review With Case Examples.
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery offers many advantages including reduced patient morbidity and quicker return to normal life. Endoscopic lumbar spine surgery, sometimes termed "ultra" minimally invasive, further pushes the envelope on reducing operative time, blood loss, and recovery time. ⋯ Biportal approach involves two incisions, one for the endoscope and one for the instruments. In what follows we review the indications and efficacy of these procedures with case examples.