title: Learning Curve Associated with Complications in Biportal Endoscopic Spinal Surgery: Challenges and Strategies.
abstract: METHODS
  Descriptions of technical strategies to overcome pitfalls associated with early learning periods in biportal endoscopic spinal surgery (BESS).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To introduce BESS for lumbar spinal diseases (LSDs) and to inform certain challenges to be overcome in mastering the technique.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  BESS has shown superior benefits including excellent magnification, a wider range of view by dynamic handling of an endoscope and instruments. Clinical reports, however, have not yet been very revealing for its new introduction into minimally invasive spine surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  To evaluate the learning curve for BESS, the procedures for various LSDs by one surgeon were analyzed in the view of shortening of the operating times and reduction of complications. Reviewing of recorded procedures helped in finding the reasons and the implemented solutions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 68 cases included 25 for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), 3 for revision for recurred LDH, 39 for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and 1 for synovial cyst. The operation time for the total cases averaged 83.7±33.6 minutes. According to diagnosis, it was 68.2±23.7 minutes for LDH. After the 14th case of LDH, it was nearly constant and close to the average time. One level of LSS needed 110.4±34.4 minutes. Prolonged operation times even in some later cases of LSS were mainly from struggling against blurred vision due to epidural bleeding. There were 7 cases of complications (10.3%) including 2 cases of dural tear, 1 case of root injury, and 4 cases of incomplete decompression on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. There was no case of symptomatic hematoma or wound infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BESS seemed to have a relatively short learning curve period. The overall complication rate in early learning period was 10.3%. These could be avoided by magnified regional views on an endoscope and a clear surgical field by controlling epidural bleeding.
authors: Spine Center, Barun Hospital, Jinju, Korea.
authors: Dae-Jung
authors: DJ
authors: Choi
authors: Spine Center, Barun Hospital, Jinju, Korea.
authors: Chang-Myong
authors: CM
authors: Choi
authors: Spine Center, Barun Hospital, Jinju, Korea.
authors: Je-Tea
authors: JT
authors: Jung
authors: Spine Center, Barun Hospital, Jinju, Korea.
authors: Sang-Jin
authors: SJ
authors: Lee
authors: Spine Center, Barun Hospital, Jinju, Korea.
authors: Yong-Sang
authors: YS
authors: Kim
keywords: Complication; Endoscopic; Lumbosacral; Minimally invasive surgical procedure; Spinal stenosis