ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) technique in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with or without spinal stenosis. MethodsA total of 23 patients with lumbar disc herniation with or without spinal stenosis were selected as the research objects. All patients were treated with UBE. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, hospital stay and operation-related complications were observed. The VAS score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) therapeutic evaluation score (hereinafter referred to as JOA score) before operation, 1 week and 7 months after operation were compared, and the clinical efficacy 7 months after operation was analyzed. Results(1) The surgery went successful in all 23 patients, with no one changing the surgical method. The operation time was 65-95 (76.74±8.61) min. The intraoperative bleeding volume was 35-70 (52.74±9.51) mL. The hospital stay was 5-9 (6.96±1.36) d. One case had spinal dura mater laceration during operation, and the incision healed by first intention after conservative treatment. Postoperative lower limb numbness symptoms were worse than those before operation in 1 case, without muscle strength decrease and activity obstacle, which was relieved by treatment with mecobalamin, dexamethasone, mannitol and other drugs for 5 days. No patients had spinal dura mater edema, incision infection, and recurrent intervertebral disc herniation in the vertebra involved in the operation during the hospitalization and the follow-up after discharge. (2) One week and 7 months after operation, the VAS scores of the low back, VAS scores of the leg, and the ODI of low back were all decreased compared with the preoperative values, while the JOA scores of low back were increased compared with the preoperative values (all P＜0.05). Seven months after operation, the ODI of low back was lower than that 1 week after operation, while the JOA score of low back was higher than that 1 week after operation (all P＜0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in VAS score of low back and leg between 7 months after operation and 1 week after operation (all P＞0.05). (3) The excellent and good rate of clinical efficacy was 91.30% 7 months after operation. ConclusionThe clinical efficacy of UBE in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with or without spinal stenosis is satisfactory, with the characteristics of less trauma, clear surgical vision, complete decompression, fewer complications and good spinal stability, which is worthy of clinical application.

无