DOI: 10.21276/sasjs.2017.3.12.8

Pages: 335-341

Background: Endoscopic spine surgery has gained prominence as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open spine surgery, offering potential benefits such as reduced surgical trauma, faster recovery, and improved patient outcomes. This study compares the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of endoscopic spine surgery versus traditional open spine surgery for various spinal pathologies. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center from January 2022 to December 2023, involving 300 patients with lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. Patients were divided into two groups: the Endoscopic Surgery Group (n=150) and the Open Surgery Group (n=150). Surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery metrics, and long-term clinical outcomes were assessed. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariate regression using SPSS Version 26, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Endoscopic spine surgery demonstrated significantly shorter operative times (120 ± 20 minutes vs. 150 ± 25 minutes, p=0.001) and reduced intraoperative blood loss compared to open surgery. Patients in the endoscopic group experienced greater reductions in pain scores (VAS: 6.5 ± 1.2 vs. 5.0 ± 1.5, p=0.002), shorter hospital stays, and faster return to normal activities. The wound healing time was significantly shorter (5 ± 2 days vs. 12 ± 3 days, p=0.0001), with fewer postoperative complications. Long-term outcomes favored the endoscopic approach, showing lower recurrence rates (8% vs. 15%, p=0.03), better functional improvement (ODI), and higher quality of life (SF-36) scores. Patient satisfaction was notably higher in the endoscopic group. Conclusion: Endoscopic spine surgery offers significant advantages over traditional open surgery, including reduced surgical trauma, faster recovery, and improved long-term outcomes. The results align with current literature