Chosun University Hospital Leads in Advanced Minimally Invasive Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Professor Jonghoon Seo of the Department of Neurosurgery at Chosun University Hospital is performing a unilateral lumbar fusion surgery. Provided by Chosun University Hospital

Chosun University Hospital announced on January 26 that it is at the forefront of performing the highly skilled "full-endoscopic (unilateral, uniportal) lumbar fusion surgery," providing advanced medical services to patients with spinal disorders.

Recently, the trend in spinal surgery has rapidly shifted toward minimally invasive procedures that minimize incision size and reduce damage to healthy tissue. Amidst this change, full-endoscopic lumbar fusion surgery is a highly advanced minimally invasive technique that performs the key stages of fusion?such as neural decompression, disc removal, and cage insertion?through a single incision of approximately 1 cm, followed by posterior fixation through a minimal incision.

This surgical method is particularly advantageous because it minimizes skin incisions and muscle damage, resulting in less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and virtually no scarring, leading to high cosmetic satisfaction. It is also widely applicable to patients with systemic diseases or elderly patients who require a quick return to daily life after surgery, significantly reducing the surgical burden.

However, because the entire procedure must be performed through a narrow single channel, it is considered a representative high-difficulty surgery that requires the surgeon to have extensive clinical experience and a high degree of technical proficiency. With recent advancements in endoscopic techniques and surgical instruments, the endoscopic surgical environment has greatly improved, making it possible to achieve stable cage insertion and sufficient fusion stability.

Seo Jonghoon, Professor of Neurosurgery at Chosun University Hospital, stated, "Full-endoscopic lumbar fusion surgery maximizes the benefits of minimally invasive procedures while simultaneously achieving sufficient neural decompression and stable fusion." He added, "We will continue our efforts in medical practice and research so that local residents can regain healthy lives through the best medical services without having to travel far."

Meanwhile, Chosun University Hospital was the first in the Honam region to be designated as an "International Education Center for Spinal Endoscopic Surgery" by the Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Society (KOMISS). In addition, it has been recognized for its expertise by being designated as a "Global Center of Excellence for Spinal Endoscopic Surgery" by the German company RIWOspine, sharing and educating domestic and international medical professionals on the latest surgical techniques.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.