Real-time video communication during percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy is beneficial to postoperative recovery: a single-center retrospective study

Zhicheng Pan ¹, Wangxin Liu ², Qian Li ¹

⁰Department of Orthopedic, Binhai New Area Hospital of TCM.Tianjin and Fourth Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.

European Spine Journal : Official Publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society +

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March 7, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Intraoperative video viewing and communication during percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) improved early recovery and satisfaction. Patients experienced less pain and faster functional recovery, though operative times were longer in the communication group.

Area Of Science

Neurosurgery
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Background

Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) is a minimally invasive procedure for lumbar disc herniation.
Patient understanding and satisfaction can be influenced by their involvement and awareness during surgical procedures.

Purpose Of The Study

To assess the impact of intraoperative real-time surgical video viewing and patient communication on postoperative recovery and satisfaction following PTED.
To compare outcomes between patients who could view the surgery and communicate versus those who could not.

Main Methods

A cohort of 77 patients undergoing PTED for L4/5 lumbar disc herniation were divided into communication (CM) and non-communication (NCM) groups.
Outcomes measured included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores, lumbar Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, hospitalization duration, operative time, complications, and patient satisfaction.

Main Results

The CM group demonstrated reduced early postoperative pain (lower VAS scores), faster functional recovery (higher JOA scores), shorter hospital stays, and greater satisfaction.
While the non-communication (NCM) group had shorter operative times, the CM group showed significant improvements in pain and function in the early postoperative period.
No significant differences in VAS, JOA scores, or complications were observed between groups at 3 and 6 months post-surgery.

Conclusions

Intraoperative patient viewing of surgical videos and communication during PTED is a viable method to enhance early recovery.
This approach effectively reduces early postoperative pain, accelerates functional recovery, and improves overall patient satisfaction after PTED.

Keywords:

Communication Lumbar disc herniation Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy Postoperative recovery Retrospective study

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