Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy Under Lateral Decubitus Position with Local Anesthesia

World Neurosurg. 2024 Jun:186:e456-e460. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.03.158. Epub 2024 Apr 2.

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy is gaining popularity among endoscopic spine surgeons for the treatment of radiculopathy caused by foraminal stenosis.

Methods: This study describes a technique using the lateral decubitus position for endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy under monitored anesthesia care and local anesthesia only.

Results: A total of 10 patients with contraindications to general anesthesia underwent the procedure, resulting in improvement in cervical radicular pain with no perioperative complications.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that this approach is a viable alternative for patients at high risk of general anesthesia care, expanding the surgical options for the treatment of radiculopathy.

Keywords: Cervical; Endoscopy; Foraminotomy; Lateral; Local anesthesia.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anesthesia, Local* / methods
  • Cervical Vertebrae* / surgery
  • Endoscopy / methods
  • Female
  • Foraminotomy* / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroendoscopy / methods
  • Patient Positioning / methods
  • Radiculopathy / etiology
  • Radiculopathy / surgery
  • Spinal Stenosis / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome