Common complications with endoscopic surgery and management

Abstract

Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) has proved to have similar clinical outcomes to those obtained with conventional surgical open options to decompress neural elements. Advantages such as less postoperative pain, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative opioid consumption, earlier mobilization, and shorter hospital stays are related to ESS. However, these techniques are also associated with risks of potentially catastrophic complications. This narrative review discusses the most common complications in full-endoscopy: dural injury, insufficient decompression and recurrence, postoperative epidural hematoma, postoperative dysesthesia, and infection. Moreover, practical advice to prevent and manage them has added to each complication.