Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE) is a minimally invasive spinal surgery technique that uses two small incisions (portals) on the same side: one for an endoscope and one for surgical instruments.
It allows for excellent visualization and effective decompression with minimal tissue damage.
Portal Placement:
Irrigation: Continuous saline flow to maintain a clear field.
Steps:
| Technique | Ports | Visualization | Working Channel | Invasiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microscopic Surgery | 1 | Microscope | Same | Moderate |
| Uniportal Endoscopy | 1 | Endoscope | Same | Minimally invasive |
| UBE | 2 | Endoscope | Separate | Minimally invasive |
Note: UBE is often coded as a percutaneous endoscopic procedure in ICD-10-PCS, even though it uses two portals.
Example (lumbar discectomy):
Park et al. described the unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) technique for decompression of extraforaminal stenosis at L5-S1 and evaluate 1-year clinical outcomes. Especially, we evaluated compression factors of extraforaminal stenosis at L5-S1 and described the surgical technique for decompression in detail.
Thirty-five patients who underwent UBE decompression for extraforaminal stenosis at L5-S1 between March 2018 and February 2019 were enrolled. Clinical results were analyzed using the MacNab criteria, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Compression factors evaluated pseudoarthrosis within the transverse process of L5 and ala of sacrum, disc bulging with or without osteophytes, and the thickened lumbosacral and extraforaminal ligament.
The mean back VAS was 3.7 ± 1.8 before surgery, which dropped to 2.3 ± 0.8 at 1-year postoperative follow-up (p < 0.001). There was a significant drop in postoperative mean VAS for leg pain from 7.2 ± 1.1 to 2.3 ± 1.2 at 1 year (p < 0.001). The ODI was 61.5 before surgery and 28.6 (p < 0.001). Pseudoarthrosis between the transverse process and the ala was noted in all cases (35 of 35, 100%). Pure disc bulging was seen in 12 patients (34.3%), and disc bulging with osteophytes was demonstrated in 23 patients. The thickened lumbosacral and extraforaminal ligament were identified in 19 cases (51.4%). No complications occurred in any of the patients.
In the current study, good surgical outcomes without complications were achieved after UBE decompression for extraforaminal stenosis at L5-S1 1) 2)
A narrative_review presents a structured 10-tier progression model for mastering unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE), a technique gaining momentum in minimally_invasive_spine_surgery. The framework serves as a training roadmap, beginning with basic lumbar decompression procedures and progressing toward advanced interventions such as transforaminal_lumbar_interbody_fusion (TLIF) and thoracic decompressions.
The authors suggest that surgeons must acquire competency in lumbar UBE before attempting cervical and thoracic levels, highlighting the anatomical and technical demands of more complex procedures. Each tier includes specific surgical targets and emphasizes core skills like safe nerve_root_mobilization, minimal spinal_cord manipulation, and effective foraminal_decompression.
The framework is informed by evidence from learning_curve analysis using cumulative sum (CUSUM) methodologies, aiming to enhance safety, reduce complications, and support adoption of UBE worldwide 3).
✅ Strengths:
⚠️ Weaknesses:
🧠 Implications for Practice: This tiered model can serve as a template for UBE training programs, particularly in academic centers aiming to structure minimally invasive spine fellowships. It promotes progressive learning, aligns well with surgical simulation, and could potentially reduce early complications associated with the steep UBE learning curve.
📌 Recommendation: Further studies are needed to validate this model through multicenter trials, feedback from trainees, and long-term surgical outcomes. If validated, it could become a cornerstone of UBE education.