Comparison of Tissue Damages after Traditional Open Decompression and Biportal Endoscopic Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Study Design . A cohort series of the patients who underwent biportal endoscopic decompression (BPED) and conventional decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis were analyzed for tissue damage. Background: Posterior decompression has been the most common surgical procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis. Endoscopic decompression is a new surgical technique for spinal stenosis decompression. Subjective outcomes after the procedure, VAS and functional scores, were very satisfying but there were no reports published on the amount of tissue damage for this procedure. Objectives : To evaluate the paravertebral muscles and soft tissue destruction between two methods of spinal decompression by muscle enzyme, CRP and size of muscle destruction. Materials and Methods : Two groups of the patients, open decompression and BPED, who underwent spinal stenosis decompression were compared in postoperative outcomes such as modified Macnab criteria, VAS, CPK, and CRP.  Results : The CRP and CPK level were significantly lower in BPED group than in open decompression group at 24 and 72 hours after surgery. ( p < 0.05) Size of soft tissue destructions after BPED were 35 + 18 milliliters. Conclusions : Postoperative CPK and CRP level of BPED were statistically significant lower than conventional laminectomy. Keywords : endoscope, biportal, two portal, spinal stenosis, decompression, CPK, CRP, muscle enzyme, tissue damage