The obturator guiding technique in percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.
In conventional percutaneous disc surgery, introducing instruments into disc space starts by inserting a guide needle into the triangular working zone. However, landing the guide needle tip on the annular window is a challenging step in endoscopic discectomy. Surgeons tend to repeat the needling procedure to reach an optimal position on the annular target. Obturator guiding technique is a modification of standard endoscopic lumbar discectomy, in which, obturator is used to access triangular working zone instead of a guide needle. Obturator guiding technique provides more vivid feedback and easy manipulation. This technique decreases the steps of inserting instruments and takes safer route from the peritoneum.
Department of Neurosurgery & Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
In Ho
IH
Han
Byung Kwan
BK
Choi
Won Ho
WH
Cho
Kyoung Hyup
KH
Nam