Uniportal intermediate: the transforaminal endoscopic approach for foraminal/extraforaminal stenosis at L5-S1

Abstract

The treatment of L5-S1 foraminal stenosis presents a treatment challenge, often requiring excessive facetectomy leading to fusion surgery. The transforaminal endoscopic approach offers a minimally invasive option that can avoid the need for fusion, facilitating a less painful treatment option that allows for a rapid recovery and early return to a high level of function. This chapter will explore the indications, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes of uniportal transforaminal microdiscectomy, highlighting its role as an emerging alternative to conventional surgical approaches for L5-S1 foraminal stenosis.