PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Kim, Choll W.
TI  - Master Techniques in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Lumbar Endoscopic Spine Surgery
AID  - 10.14444/8715
DP  - 2025 Feb 11
TA  - International Journal of Spine Surgery
PG  - 8715
4099  - https://www.ijssurgery.com/content/early/2025/02/10/8715.short
4100  - https://www.ijssurgery.com/content/early/2025/02/10/8715.full
AB  - The difficult learning curve remains the major obstacle to adoption of lumbar endoscopic spine surgery (LESS) techniques. Detailed, step-by-step techniques are described for the uniportal transforaminal technique, as well as uniportal and biportal interlaminar approaches. Special emphasis is placed on specific areas of the learning curve that pose obvious challenges to the completion of successful surgery. Logistical challenges of the first case are addressed with electronic checklists with interactive photographs of key instruments and equipment for easy identification by staff, interactive animations of the room set-up, and interactive animations of the surgical anatomy. This technique guide is part of a comprehensive training program with the goal to “make the first case go well.”