title: [Epiduroscopy].
abstract: This article introduces the equipment used for epiduroscopy and describes its indications, procedures for use, treatment outcomes, the potential complications and future developments. Epiduroscopy is used in the treatment and diagnosis of intractable low back and leg pain in patients in whom nerve block is not efficacious and when pain recurs after operation. The characteristics of epiduroscopy are that it is: 1) safe and less invasive; 2) used for endoscopic washing of the epidural space and fluoroscopic X-ray; 3) it allows injection of an agent into the lesion; and 4) it results in no change in the normal lumbar structure after operation. Epiduroscopy is expected to provide successful outcomes for many patients with intractable low back and leg pain through further improvements in equipment related to epiduroscopy, advances in technology, the accumulation of data regarding its efficacy and safety, and the coverage of treatment by insurance.
authors.forename: Yutaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Taira
authors.forename: Yasutoshi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Higa
authors.forename: Junichi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kajisa
authors.forename: Shinobu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nakasone
mesh_terms: D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004824:Epidural Space; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000628:therapy