Date of Award
3-25-2022
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (MMSc)
First Advisor
Peter Whang, MD, FACS
Abstract
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the vertebral central canal, lateral recess, and/or foramen, compressing the spinal nerves and is a common source of leg and back pain. Fully endoscopic decompressive surgery is a new and evolving surgical technique with proven efficacy. However, evidence of the safety of endoscopic procedures compared to conventional open laminectomy is lacking. In this prospective cohort study, we seek to investigate the safety of fully endoscopic decompression when compared to open laminectomy, specifically for nerve injury, incidental durotomy, epidural hematoma, and surgical site infection. We will recruit patients with single level lumbar spinal stenosis without a need for fusion who are refractory to conservative treatment and undergo either fully endoscopic decompression or open laminectomy. Follow-up with patients one-year post-surgery will determine occurrence of adverse events. This evidence can direct the use of endoscopic decompression over open laminectomy for single level lumbar spinal stenosis.
Recommended Citation
Myers, Drake, "Endoscopic Decompression versus Open Laminectomy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Prospective Safety Study" (2022). Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Theses. 136.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ysmpa_theses/136
This Article is Open Access