ABSTRACT
Unilateral biportal endoscopic surgery, micro-endoscopic discectomy, micro-endoscopic laminoplasty, and Destandau mobile endoscopic discectomy have been described as four major techniques in the field of endoscopic spine surgeries. Compared with the coaxial endoscopy, the unilateral biportal endoscopic surgery is characterized by separated channels for observation and operation, making operative procedures more flexible, vision field wider, and requirements for surgical instruments less demanding. Although the anatomical basis of its surgical approach is similar to that of micro-endoscopic spine surgery, this technique can significantly reduce the injury to the paravertebral muscle and protect the stability of the surgical segment of the spine, leading to quick and wide applications in the clinical treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases with good clinical efficacy. The present article reviews this surgical technique from the aspects of technological development, anatomical basis, clinical application, complications, and prospects.