Redo uniportal interlaminar endoscopic discectomy after open discectomy

Endoscopic spine surgery is gaining popularity in Australia. Despite being available in some regions for 3 decades, it is only gaining traction now.[1] Many surgeons are currently in the early learning curve. There is some concern amongst surgeons in their learning curve regarding redo discectomy, especially in patients that have previously underwent an open discectomy.[2] Experienced endoscopic spine surgeons report that the continuous irrigation in endoscopic spine surgery assists in the dissection of the scar tissue and development on the plane between the dura and scar tissue. We present a case of a 60 year old male, who presented with a 2 month history of a right L5 radiculopathy. It did not respond to conservative management. The patient had an open discectomy performed 15 years prior. There was complete recovery from his previous surgery. He was neurological intact, apart from a mild sensory disturbance in the L5 dermatome. MRI demonstrated a recurrent right L4/5 disc prolapse, with compression of the traversing L5 nerve root. He underwent a endoscopic interlaminar redo L4/5 discectomy. There was scar tissue that could be mobilised, enabling discectomy and retraction of the nerve root without issue. This case highlights the feasibility of redo-endoscopic discectomy.