The Journal of Practical Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (12): 1859-1866.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2025.12.013

• Clinical Research • Previous Articles    

Clinical efficacy analysis of transparent fully visualized working channel in percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy

Weiran SHI1,Ying HUANG2,Maji SUN1,Feng YUAN1()   

  1. Department of Spinal Surgery,Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University,Xuzhou 221000,Jiangsu,China
  • Received:2025-04-01 Online:2025-06-25 Published:2025-07-02
  • Contact: Feng YUAN E-mail:xzmuyf@163.com

Abstract:

Objective An innovative transparent full-visualization working channel was developed to investigate the clinical efficacy of applying a transparent full-visualization working channel in percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Methods The medical records of 145 patients who underwent PEID for lumbar disc herniation from September 2023 to September 2024 were included. These patients were classified into two groups based on the use of a transparent full-visualization working channel or a metal working channel: 69 cases in the transparent channel group and 76 cases in the metal channel group. A comparative analysis was carried out between the two groups, evaluating differences in baseline characteristics, surgical performance indicators, the incidence of postoperative complications, and overall treatment outcomes. Results The operative time in the transparent channel group was shorter than that in the metal channel group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Regarding the length of postoperative hospital stays and the frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy, no significant differences were observed between the transparent and metal channel groups (P > 0.05). In the transparent channel group, postoperative sensory abnormalities in the lower extremities occurred in one patient, while in the metal channel group, seven patients experienced such issues. Nevertheless, this difference in complication rates did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). Similarly, no significant differences were detected in EMG electrophysiological alerts during the placement of the working channel and nerve exploration between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, during intraoperative decompression, the transparent channel group had 8 fewer EMG alarms compared to the metal channel group's total of 29, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions The application of a transparent fully visualized working channel in the transforaminal approach for PEID can achieve the same clinical efficacy as a metal working channel. Moreover, it can significantly reduce nerve root irritation. The microscopic field of view of the transparent working channel is notably superior to that of the metal working channel. This enhanced visibility expands the field of view, facilitating effective nerve observation and protection, and ultimately increasing the safety of the surgical procedure.

Key words: lumbar disc herniation, percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy, working channel, minimally invasive

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