Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis: Full Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach

Open foraminal decompression with/without fusion has been performed as a standard surgical treatment for lumbar foraminal stenosis. Recently reported endoscopic approach through extraforaminal landing enables working mobility after partial removal of superior articular process. After that, it was possible to approach the foraminal zone safely and to treat decompression for foraminal stenosis. After access to the foramen, full-scale foraminal decompression along the exiting nerve root can be performed using a variety of surgical instruments. Instruments such as endoscopic burrs, bone reamers, punches, forceps, and lasers can be used for selective decompression under high-resolution endoscopic vision. We conclude that transforaminal endoscopic decompression could be an effective treatment method for selected groups of patients with foraminal stenosis. It can be performed under local anesthesia and has a short operative time and less blood loss.