Work

Clinical outcomes of one-hole split endoscope versus unilateral biportal endoscopy for lumbar degenerative diseases

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of the novel One-hole Split Endoscope (OSE) technique with the established Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE) technique for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD). Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2023, involving 116 patients with LDD. Patients were allocated to either the OSE group ( n = 60) or the UBE group ( n = 56). Perioperative outcomes (operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, incision length), clinical scores (VAS for back/leg pain, ODI), and complication rates were systematically compared between the two groups. Results Both groups demonstrated significant clinical improvement postoperatively. The OSE procedure required a longer operative time (135.8 ± 12.6 min vs. 102.4 ± 10.9 min, P < 0.001). However, the OSE group demonstrated advantages in several key perioperative metrics, including a significantly shorter hospital stay (3.9 ± 0.8 days vs. 5.4 ± 1.1 days, P < 0.001) and a smaller incision length (1.5 ± 0.2 cm vs. 2.7 ± 0.3 cm, P < 0.001). Intraoperative blood loss was minimal and comparable between the two groups ( P > 0.05). The OSE group also showed earlier and superior functional recovery, evidenced by significantly lower ODI scores at 1-week, 1-month, and final follow-up ( P < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were found in postoperative pain VAS scores or in the overall complication rate ( P = 0.127). Conclusion Both OSE and UBE techniques are effective and safe for treating LDD. Despite a longer operative time, the OSE technique offers distinct advantages in minimizing surgical trauma, promoting faster recovery, and achieving better early functional outcomes. OSE represents a valuable and innovative minimally invasive option in the spine surgeon's arsenal.

Source: Frontiers in Surgery

DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2026.1915621