Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Narrative Review of Technological Innovations and Clinical Evidence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/t9tcff07Keywords:
Lumbar disc herniation; minimally invasive surgery; endoscopic discectomy; tubular microdiscectomy; biportal endoscopy.Abstract
Lumbar disc herniation is a frequent cause of radicular pain, functional disability, and surgical treatment when conservative management fails. This narrative review aimed to analyze technological innovations in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, with emphasis on minimally invasive techniques. A bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, prioritizing studies published between 2014 and 2025. The findings showed that percutaneous endoscopic discectomy, tubular microdiscectomy, microendoscopic discectomy, and unilateral biportal endoscopy improve pain and functional outcomes while reducing soft-tissue injury and facilitating early recovery. Nevertheless, no procedure was identified as universally superior. Technique selection should consider herniation anatomy, surgeon experience, technological availability, and recurrence risk. In conclusion, minimally invasive surgery is an effective alternative for lumbar disc herniation; however, its implementation requires individualized indications, adequate preoperative planning, and specialized surgical training to ensure safe and reproducible clinical outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jimmy Fabricio Achi Arteaga, Jimmy Fernando Yaguana Torres, Jorge Armando Rosero Feijoo, Laura Angelina Guamán Vera, Elis Arturo Vera Quinto (Autor/a)

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