Lateral Recess Decompression

Endoscopic lateral recess decompression is an ultra-minimally invasive technique designed to relieve nerve pressure caused by a specific form of spinal stenosis, where the central canal remains open but the lateral recess compresses the traversing nerve root. This often-overlooked pathology is a common cause of unilateral or bilateral radiculopathy. By utilizing the interlaminar corridor, surgeons can precisely remove compressive bone and tissue with minimal disruption to surrounding anatomy. Patients typically experience significant pain relief and improved mobility shortly after surgery.¹ Long-term studies suggest these benefits are durable, with low reoperation rates.²

^References

^{1. Lee CH, Choi M, Ryu DS, et al. Efficacy and safety of full-endoscopic decompression via interlaminar approach for central or lateral recess spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine: a meta-analysis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2018;43(24):1756-1764. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000002708. Erratum: Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2019;44(4):E258. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000002988}

^{2. Kesornsak W, Kuansongtham V, Lwin KMM, Pongpirul K. Pain improvement and reoperation rate after full-endoscopic decompression for lateral recess stenosis: a 10-year follow-up. Eur Spine J. 2023;32(8):2882-2888. doi:10.1007/s00586-023-07801-6}