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Updated: Oct 25, 2026
The Third Channel-Assisted Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Technique for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Combined with Contralateral Disc Herniation
Published on: November 17, 2023
[Translated article] Clinical and functional outcomes of unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression in patients
Fernando Torres Romero1, Estefanny Trilleras Vargas1, Camilo Velandia-Amaya1
1Unidad de Ortopedia. Departamento de Cirugía. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Avenida Cra 30 # 45 03, Bogotá, Colombia.
Introduction:
Lumbar neural compression is one of the leading causes of pain and disability in older adults. Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic (UBE) decompression has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to conventional techniques, providing a wider surgical field, enhanced visualization, and preservation of anatomical structures.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective observational study including patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent decompression using the UBE technique between January 2022 and January 2024. Demographic data, surgical details, and clinical and functional outcomes were analyzed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), length of hospital stay, and medical leave duration.
Results:
A total of 98 patients were included, with a mean age of 65 ±10 years and a predominance of females. Mean VAS scores decreased from 8.0 ±1.0 preoperatively to 4.0 ±1.0 postoperatively (p < 0.001), while ODI scores improved from 50 ±10 to 20 ±5 (p < 0.001). Hemoglobin levels showed a moderate but significant reduction (14 ±1.0 g/dL to 12 ±1.0 g/dL; p < 0.001). Hospital stay ranged from 1 to 4 days, with most cases requiring only 1-2 days, and mean medical leave duration was 1.3 ±0.6 months. The complication rate was low, with no major adverse outcomes.
Conclusions:
UBE decompression has shown a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for the management of lumbar neural compression. It provides significant improvements in pain and function, shortens hospital stay, and supports early recovery, reinforcing its role as a valuable therapeutic option in clinical practice.