Advancing the future of endoscopic spine surgery
Article information
Over the past ten years, endoscopic spine surgery has quickly developed and become a necessary part of minimally invasive spinal treatments. This discipline is now providing better outcomes with less disturbance to the body and faster recovery times as surgical techniques, technology, and patient care continue to improve [1]. Presenting a compilation of research papers highlighting the most recent advancements and prospects in endoscopic spine surgery, I am the guest editor of this special issue of the Asian Spine Journal. Leading authorities from throughout the world have contributed to this special topic with their developments in spine surgery. Some of the many types of evidence that are available now include improvements in uniportal and biportal endoscopic spine surgery techniques, clinical outcomes, how to handle complications, and the use of AI and robotics in surgery [1,2].
The growing importance of endoscopic spine surgery is one of this issue's main subjects. Initially utilized for lumbar disc herniation, these procedures are increasingly used in more difficult disorders, including spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and certain fusion instances. These operations are safer and more successful thanks to developments in surgical tools, imaging,
and technique execution [1,3]. Concurrent with this is new technology improving surgical accuracy like augmented reality, computer-assisted navigation, and machine learning [2,4]. Several papers in this issue investigate how these developments might lower surgical risks, simplify procedures, and enhance patient selection. Although encouraging, more study is required to verify their long-term advantages and economy of cost. These developments notwithstanding some difficulties. To guarantee the wider acceptance of endoscopic procedures, standardizing training programs, improving patient selection criteria, and doing long-term studies will be vital. Comparative research, cost-benefit evaluations, and patient-reported results will help to show how these operations differ from conventional spine surgery [1,5].
I especially thank the editorial team of the Asian Spine Journal for their help in realizing this special issue in endoscopic spine surgery, the reviewers for their professional assessments, and the writers for their essential contributions. The studies shown here should offer valuable information for spine surgeons and motivate further advancement in this always-changing discipline. Though the journey toward safer, less invasive, and more successful spine surgery is ongoing, each step forward brings us closer to transforming the future of spinal care.