12. Interbody Spinal Fusion (BELIF/UBE-LIF)

Lumbar interbody fusion is a common surgical treatment for degenerative lumbar spine disease when appropriately indicated. Open approaches require more extensive dissection of the paravertebral muscles and may cause substantial soft-tissue injury and subsequent scarring.

Biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (BELIF/UBE-LIF) allows decompression, interbody space preparation, and cage placement under endoscopic video guidance while limiting soft-tissue trauma.

In my practice, after mastering the technique, BELIF/UBE-LIF takes less time than conventional open interbody fusion. Reduced tissue trauma facilitates postoperative recovery; the advantages I observe in my practice include a shorter hospital stay and a shorter overall rehabilitation period.

12.8. Endoscopic Decompression and BELIF/UBE-LIF for Spondylolisthesis

12.9. Endoscopic Decompression and Local Stabilization for Degenerative Scoliosis

References

1. Heo DH, Son SK, Eum JH, Park CK. Fully endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion using a percutaneous unilateral biportal endoscopic technique: technical note and preliminary clinical results. Neurosurg Focus. 2017;43(2):E8. DOI: 10.3171/2017.5.FOCUS17146.

2. Kang MS, You KH, Choi JY, Heo DH, Chung HJ, Park HJ. Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion using the biportal endoscopic techniques versus microscopic tubular technique. Spine J. 2021;21(12):2066–2077. DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2021.06.013.

3. Chen Y, Wu J, Li Q, Wu Y, Xu C, Chen R, et al. Clinical application of unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion in lumbar degenerative diseases: a multi-center study. Front Neurol. 2025;16:1673110. DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1673110.

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