Laser Applications in Full Endoscopy of the Spine

Lasers have been popular in spine surgery for decades. Patients frequently ask about laser spine surgery when looking for simplified ways to treat spine pain related to a herniated disc. Percutaneous interventional non-visualized needle-based laser treatments have been replaced with visualized endoscopic decompressions. This chapter reviews the fundamental physics of laser technology applications in spine surgery. Guidelines for safe laser use in the operating room and avoidance of complications are discussed in detail. Lasers suitable for spinal decompressions and their respective tissue interactions are described. The clinical evidence of percutaneous versus the hybridized use with the visualized endoscopic decompression is examined in detail.