This surgical video demonstrates the full-endoscopic repair of an incidental durotomy, offering practical guidance and insights into the technique. Incidental dural tears occur in up to 1% of lumbar endoscopic surgeries, with risk factors including interlaminar approaches, stenosis decompression, and power drill usage. Although many dural tears are managed with sealant or gel foam, no standard exists for when surgical repair is necessary. Complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, radiculopathy, and neurological deficits can arise, prompting the need for effective repair techniques. A 50-year-old man presented with bilateral leg claudication due to lumbar stenosis (L4–S1). Full-endoscopic decompression was performed, during which an incidental 10-mm dural tear occurred at L5–S1. The nerve root was repositioned into the dural sac, and the tear was repaired using a 6-0 prolene suture with a knot pusher under endoscopic guidance. Gelfoam was applied to aid compression, and irrigation pressure was reduced to prevent increased intracranial pressure. The patient was mobilized after 48 hours and experienced significant symptom improvement without neurological deficits. We propose that dural tears should be repaired when possible to prevent complications. Surgeon experience, tear size, and location are critical factors. This case demonstrates a simple, effective endoscopic repair method, though further studies are needed to establish its long-term efficacy.

This review aims to systematically evaluate the incidence, management strategies, and clinical outcomes of iatrogenic durotomy (ID) in endoscopic spine surgery and to propose a management flowchart based on the tear size and associated complications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, focusing on studies involving endoscopic spinal procedures and incidental durotomy. The selected studies were analyzed for management techniques and outcomes, particularly in relation to the size of the dural tear and the presence of nerve root herniation. Based on these findings, a flowchart for intraoperative management was developed. A total of 14 studies were included, encompassing 68,546 patients. Varying incidences of ID, with management strategies largely dependent on the size of the dural tear, were found. Small tears (less than 5 mm) were often left untreated or managed with absorbable hemostatic agents, while medium (5–10 mm) and large tears (greater than 10 mm) required more complex approaches like endoscopic patch repair or open surgery. The presence of nerve root herniation necessitated immediate action, often influencing the decision to convert to open repair. Effective management of ID in endoscopic spine surgery requires a nuanced approach tailored to the size of the tear and specific intraoperative challenges, such as nerve root herniation. The proposed flowchart offers a structured approach to these complexities, potentially enhancing clinical outcomes and reducing complication rates. Future research with more rigorous methodologies is necessary to refine these management strategies further and broaden the applications of endoscopic spine surgery.

This surgical video demonstrates the full-endoscopic repair of an incidental durotomy, offering practical guidance and insights into the technique. Incidental dural tears occur in up to 1% of lumbar endoscopic surgeries, with risk factors including interlaminar approaches, stenosis decompression, and power drill usage. Although many dural tears are managed with sealant or gel foam, no standard exists for when surgical repair is necessary. Complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, radiculopathy, and neurological deficits can arise, prompting the need for effective repair techniques. A 50-year-old man presented with bilateral leg claudication due to lumbar stenosis (L4–S1). Full-endoscopic decompression was performed, during which an incidental 10-mm dural tear occurred at L5–S1. The nerve root was repositioned into the dural sac, and the tear was repaired using a 6-0 prolene suture with a knot pusher under endoscopic guidance. Gelfoam was applied to aid compression, and irrigation pressure was reduced to prevent increased intracranial pressure. The patient was mobilized after 48 hours and experienced significant symptom improvement without neurological deficits. We propose that dural tears should be repaired when possible to prevent complications. Surgeon experience, tear size, and location are critical factors. This case demonstrates a simple, effective endoscopic repair method, though further studies are needed to establish its long-term efficacy.

This review aims to systematically evaluate the incidence, management strategies, and clinical outcomes of iatrogenic durotomy (ID) in endoscopic spine surgery and to propose a management flowchart based on the tear size and associated complications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, focusing on studies involving endoscopic spinal procedures and incidental durotomy. The selected studies were analyzed for management techniques and outcomes, particularly in relation to the size of the dural tear and the presence of nerve root herniation. Based on these findings, a flowchart for intraoperative management was developed. A total of 14 studies were included, encompassing 68,546 patients. Varying incidences of ID, with management strategies largely dependent on the size of the dural tear, were found. Small tears (less than 5 mm) were often left untreated or managed with absorbable hemostatic agents, while medium (5–10 mm) and large tears (greater than 10 mm) required more complex approaches like endoscopic patch repair or open surgery. The presence of nerve root herniation necessitated immediate action, often influencing the decision to convert to open repair. Effective management of ID in endoscopic spine surgery requires a nuanced approach tailored to the size of the tear and specific intraoperative challenges, such as nerve root herniation. The proposed flowchart offers a structured approach to these complexities, potentially enhancing clinical outcomes and reducing complication rates. Future research with more rigorous methodologies is necessary to refine these management strategies further and broaden the applications of endoscopic spine surgery.

This surgical video demonstrates the full-endoscopic repair of an incidental durotomy, offering practical guidance and insights into the technique. Incidental dural tears occur in up to 1% of lumbar endoscopic surgeries, with risk factors including interlaminar approaches, stenosis decompression, and power drill usage. Although many dural tears are managed with sealant or gel foam, no standard exists for when surgical repair is necessary. Complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, radiculopathy, and neurological deficits can arise, prompting the need for effective repair techniques. A 50-year-old man presented with bilateral leg claudication due to lumbar stenosis (L4–S1). Full-endoscopic decompression was performed, during which an incidental 10-mm dural tear occurred at L5–S1. The nerve root was repositioned into the dural sac, and the tear was repaired using a 6-0 prolene suture with a knot pusher under endoscopic guidance. Gelfoam was applied to aid compression, and irrigation pressure was reduced to prevent increased intracranial pressure. The patient was mobilized after 48 hours and experienced significant symptom improvement without neurological deficits. We propose that dural tears should be repaired when possible to prevent complications. Surgeon experience, tear size, and location are critical factors. This case demonstrates a simple, effective endoscopic repair method, though further studies are needed to establish its long-term efficacy.

This review aims to systematically evaluate the incidence, management strategies, and clinical outcomes of iatrogenic durotomy (ID) in endoscopic spine surgery and to propose a management flowchart based on the tear size and associated complications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, focusing on studies involving endoscopic spinal procedures and incidental durotomy. The selected studies were analyzed for management techniques and outcomes, particularly in relation to the size of the dural tear and the presence of nerve root herniation. Based on these findings, a flowchart for intraoperative management was developed. A total of 14 studies were included, encompassing 68,546 patients. Varying incidences of ID, with management strategies largely dependent on the size of the dural tear, were found. Small tears (less than 5 mm) were often left untreated or managed with absorbable hemostatic agents, while medium (5–10 mm) and large tears (greater than 10 mm) required more complex approaches like endoscopic patch repair or open surgery. The presence of nerve root herniation necessitated immediate action, often influencing the decision to convert to open repair. Effective management of ID in endoscopic spine surgery requires a nuanced approach tailored to the size of the tear and specific intraoperative challenges, such as nerve root herniation. The proposed flowchart offers a structured approach to these complexities, potentially enhancing clinical outcomes and reducing complication rates. Future research with more rigorous methodologies is necessary to refine these management strategies further and broaden the applications of endoscopic spine surgery.

This surgical video demonstrates the full-endoscopic repair of an incidental durotomy, offering practical guidance and insights into the technique. Incidental dural tears occur in up to 1% of lumbar endoscopic surgeries, with risk factors including interlaminar approaches, stenosis decompression, and power drill usage. Although many dural tears are managed with sealant or gel foam, no standard exists for when surgical repair is necessary. Complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, radiculopathy, and neurological deficits can arise, prompting the need for effective repair techniques. A 50-year-old man presented with bilateral leg claudication due to lumbar stenosis (L4–S1). Full-endoscopic decompression was performed, during which an incidental 10-mm dural tear occurred at L5–S1. The nerve root was repositioned into the dural sac, and the tear was repaired using a 6-0 prolene suture with a knot pusher under endoscopic guidance. Gelfoam was applied to aid compression, and irrigation pressure was reduced to prevent increased intracranial pressure. The patient was mobilized after 48 hours and experienced significant symptom improvement without neurological deficits. We propose that dural tears should be repaired when possible to prevent complications. Surgeon experience, tear size, and location are critical factors. This case demonstrates a simple, effective endoscopic repair method, though further studies are needed to establish its long-term efficacy.

This review aims to systematically evaluate the incidence, management strategies, and clinical outcomes of iatrogenic durotomy (ID) in endoscopic spine surgery and to propose a management flowchart based on the tear size and associated complications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, focusing on studies involving endoscopic spinal procedures and incidental durotomy. The selected studies were analyzed for management techniques and outcomes, particularly in relation to the size of the dural tear and the presence of nerve root herniation. Based on these findings, a flowchart for intraoperative management was developed. A total of 14 studies were included, encompassing 68,546 patients. Varying incidences of ID, with management strategies largely dependent on the size of the dural tear, were found. Small tears (less than 5 mm) were often left untreated or managed with absorbable hemostatic agents, while medium (5–10 mm) and large tears (greater than 10 mm) required more complex approaches like endoscopic patch repair or open surgery. The presence of nerve root herniation necessitated immediate action, often influencing the decision to convert to open repair. Effective management of ID in endoscopic spine surgery requires a nuanced approach tailored to the size of the tear and specific intraoperative challenges, such as nerve root herniation. The proposed flowchart offers a structured approach to these complexities, potentially enhancing clinical outcomes and reducing complication rates. Future research with more rigorous methodologies is necessary to refine these management strategies further and broaden the applications of endoscopic spine surgery.

This surgical video demonstrates the full-endoscopic repair of an incidental durotomy, offering practical guidance and insights into the technique. Incidental dural tears occur in up to 1% of lumbar endoscopic surgeries, with risk factors including interlaminar approaches, stenosis decompression, and power drill usage. Although many dural tears are managed with sealant or gel foam, no standard exists for when surgical repair is necessary. Complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, radiculopathy, and neurological deficits can arise, prompting the need for effective repair techniques. A 50-year-old man presented with bilateral leg claudication due to lumbar stenosis (L4–S1). Full-endoscopic decompression was performed, during which an incidental 10-mm dural tear occurred at L5–S1. The nerve root was repositioned into the dural sac, and the tear was repaired using a 6-0 prolene suture with a knot pusher under endoscopic guidance. Gelfoam was applied to aid compression, and irrigation pressure was reduced to prevent increased intracranial pressure. The patient was mobilized after 48 hours and experienced significant symptom improvement without neurological deficits. We propose that dural tears should be repaired when possible to prevent complications. Surgeon experience, tear size, and location are critical factors. This case demonstrates a simple, effective endoscopic repair method, though further studies are needed to establish its long-term efficacy.

This review aims to systematically evaluate the incidence, management strategies, and clinical outcomes of iatrogenic durotomy (ID) in endoscopic spine surgery and to propose a management flowchart based on the tear size and associated complications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, focusing on studies involving endoscopic spinal procedures and incidental durotomy. The selected studies were analyzed for management techniques and outcomes, particularly in relation to the size of the dural tear and the presence of nerve root herniation. Based on these findings, a flowchart for intraoperative management was developed. A total of 14 studies were included, encompassing 68,546 patients. Varying incidences of ID, with management strategies largely dependent on the size of the dural tear, were found. Small tears (less than 5 mm) were often left untreated or managed with absorbable hemostatic agents, while medium (5–10 mm) and large tears (greater than 10 mm) required more complex approaches like endoscopic patch repair or open surgery. The presence of nerve root herniation necessitated immediate action, often influencing the decision to convert to open repair. Effective management of ID in endoscopic spine surgery requires a nuanced approach tailored to the size of the tear and specific intraoperative challenges, such as nerve root herniation. The proposed flowchart offers a structured approach to these complexities, potentially enhancing clinical outcomes and reducing complication rates. Future research with more rigorous methodologies is necessary to refine these management strategies further and broaden the applications of endoscopic spine surgery.