Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy (ETLD) with trephines
represents a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating lumbar disc herniation.
This technique best suits the novice surgeon and offers several advantages over
traditional open surgery, including reduced tissue trauma, faster recovery, and
improved patient outcomes. It simplifies the placement of the endoscopic working
cannula by creating an initial working space under fluoroscopic guidance without the
need for an initial foraminoplasty. This chapter delves into the technical and procedural
aspects of ETLD with trephines, providing a detailed overview of the procedure, its
indications, contraindications, surgical steps, and potential complications. Furthermore,
we highlight the advantages and limitations of this innovative technique and discuss its
established role in spinal surgery
Keywords: Endoscopic lumbar discectomy, Foraminoplasty, Herniated disc, Trephines.
