How effective is intervertebral foraminoscopy in treating lumbar disc herniation?

The minimally invasive foraminoscopic spine technique is an internationally recognized minimally invasive procedure in spine surgery. Similar to the spinal endoscopic technique, the foraminoscopic technique has a unique trocar and surgical instrument design, equipped with a lighted tube and a camera surveillance system, resulting in a clear view of the procedure. It accesses the spinal canal from the side or back of the patient’s body through a very small incision, minimizing the risk of infection during and after the procedure. Patients can be operated under local anesthesia, eliminating the need for general anesthesia. The procedure is performed while the patient is fully awake, allowing for communication with the patient at all times during the procedure and observation of the patient’s response. Intervertebral foraminal approach treatment often does not require removal of the ligamentum flavum and laminae, nor does it require severance of the trunk muscles, reducing injury to the paravertebral muscles and loss of innervation and preventing the occurrence of postoperative segmental instability and slippage. Since the stability of the spine is not seriously damaged after surgery, intraoperative bleeding is minimal and wound pain is small. Recovery after surgery is quick, and patients can leave the hospital 1-3 days after surgery and can return to work as soon as possible to improve the quality of life. Our hospital currently uses imported foraminoscopes, which can deal with simple disc herniation; bulging or prolapsed type cases with severe neurogenic symptoms and discogenic lumbar and leg pain.