Percutaneous endoscopic cervical laminectomy

Aim: This study aimed to document the use of percutaneous endoscopic cervical laminectomy (PECL) and the treatment results. Methods: Eleven patients with a limited cervical spinal canal stenosis were indicated for the surgery. Under general anesthesia, the interlaminar space between the affected vertebrae was approached from 5 mm outside the midline. Laminectomy was performed using a 2.5-mm or 3.5-mm high speed drill, and an endoscope. Subsequently, the bilateral yellow ligament was removed and sufficient decompression of the dural sac was confirmed. Surgery was completed after the placement of an indwelling drain. Preand postoperative statuses were evaluated using the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score. Results: The mean operation time was 87.1 min, and no complications were observed. During the mean follow-up period of 16.6 months, the mJOA score improved significantly from 10.9 ± 0.7 to 14.3 ± 1.3 (P = 0.2). Conclusion: PECL is a minimally invasive surgical technique for cervical posterior decompression. This is a useful procedure, although it is technically demanding, and must be carefully performed under strict indication by a surgeon with sufficient experience of endoscopic techniques.