Efficacy of unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression in treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis under single channel endoscopy

  Objective  To investigate the efficacy of unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression(ULBD) in treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis(DLSS) under single channel endoscopy.

  Methods  Data of 29 patients with DLSS was retrospectively analyzed. Outcomes were assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and modified Macnab criteria.

  Results  All 29 patients underwent ULBD with single channel endoscopy under general anesthesia, and the operations were successfully completed. The mean operation time was (98.33±15.50) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was (51.38±26.65) mL, the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy was (3.03±0.94) times, and postoperative hospital stay was (3.07±1.10) days. All patients were followed up for more than 12 months, with a mean follow-up time of (13.66±2.21) months. VAS score and ODI of waist and leg after operation were significantly lower than those before operation (P < 0.05). VAS score and ODI of waist and leg at 12 months after surgery were significantly lower than those at one week after surgery (P < 0.05). One patient had postoperative pain and discomfort in the lower extremities, and two patients had intraoperative dural tears.

  Conclusion  ULBD under single channel endoscopy has the advantages of safety, effectiveness, less trauma and quick recovery in treatment of single-level DLSS without lumbar instability.