Postoperative Dysesthesia Secondary to Thermal Injury Following Biportal Endoscopy for Lumbar Canal Stenosis: A Report of 3 Cases and Technical Details of Radiofrequency

Author: Yadhu K. LOKANATH ¹ ; Hussam Essam JABRI ; Kuo-Tai CHEN ; Jin-Sung KIM
Author Information

1. Department of Neurosurgery, Aster RV hospital, Bangalore, India
Publication Type:Case Report
From: Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique 2024;9(2):136-141
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: Postoperative dysesthesia following lumbar spine surgery is a highly bothersome symptom in the follow-up period. Although many factors contribute to this condition, the most important one is the use of radiofrequency in endoscopic spine surgery. Nonetheless, there is widespread acceptance regarding the use of radiofrequency in endoscopic spine surgery, and the literature contains few reports related to thermal damage to nerves. We describe 3 cases of nondermatomal dysesthesia syndrome in patients who had undergone lumbar unilateral biportal endoscopic surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. All diagnostic modalities were equivocal, and no pathological lesion was identified. Therefore, we interpreted the dysesthesia as secondary to thermal damage to neural structures, resulting from the radiofrequency.