Patient Perspectives on Awake Transforaminal Endoscopic Decompression Surgery Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Background:

• Degenerative spine diseases pose significant challenges for patient mobility and quality of life.
• Traditional surgical interventions often involve substantial recovery periods and potential complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction following awake transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression.
• To assess the perceptions of patients undergoing this minimally invasive surgical technique for degenerative spine conditions.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 183 patients undergoing awake transforaminal endoscopic spine surgery between 2022 and 2023.
• Patients communicated with the surgical team under local anesthesia and sedation.
• An app-based survey was utilized for 1-year follow-up to gather patient perceptions and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Out of 102 survey respondents at 1-year follow-up, 89.2% reported superior outcomes compared to traditional spine surgeries.
• A remarkable 98% of patients expressed willingness to recommend the procedure to others with similar conditions.
• High patient satisfaction was observed, closely linked to the fulfillment of expectations.

Conclusions:

• Awake transforaminal endoscopic decompression represents a significant advancement in minimally invasive spine surgery.
• Effective preoperative communication and robust postoperative pain management are crucial for optimizing patient satisfaction and recovery.
• Integrating conservative treatments like physical therapy and acupuncture can further enhance surgical outcomes.