Feasibility and safety of unilateral biportal endoscopic dorsal lumbosacral decompression in dogs: a cadaveric study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of unilateral biportal endoscopic dorsal lumbosacral decompression in dogs. METHODS: 13 canine cadavers were acquired. Three dogs were used in a pilot study to refine the technique. The remaining 10 were randomly assigned to left- or right-sided procedures. The main study was conducted from November 27 to November 30, 2024, following a pilot study performed 1 month earlier. Preoperative CT aided anatomical assessment and planning. Portal sites were based on the medial pedicle line, connecting the medial borders of the seventh lumbar vertebra and first sacral vertebra pedicles, as identified on dorsoventral radiographs. Unilateral biportal endoscopic dorsal lumbosacral decompression, including dorsal laminectomy, discectomy, and nerve root exploration, was performed. Portal sites, procedural times, and intraoperative complications were recorded. Postoperative CT assessed decompression and facet preservation. A 4-point scoring system (Excellent, Good, Fair, and Poor) was used to evaluate visualization and facet joint preservation. RESULTS: All 10 cadavers were Beagles. All procedures were completed successfully through planned portals. Mean surgery time was 56.3 ± 11.4 minutes. Visualization and facet joint preservation were all rated Excellent. Laminectomy and nerve root exploration times were longer ipsilaterally (17.4 ± 7.2 minutes) than contralaterally (9.6 ± 4.2 minutes), with a mean difference of 7.8 minutes. The mean laminectomy area was significantly larger ipsilaterally (17.6 ± 6.7 mm2) versus contralaterally (10.5 ± 7.3 mm2), with a mean difference of 7.1 mm2. No intraoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral biportal endoscopic dorsal lumbosacral decompression was feasible, safe, and provided excellent visualization in canine cadavers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Unilateral biportal endoscopic dorsal lumbosacral decompression may represent a viable minimally invasive technique for degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in dogs and warrants further clinical investigation.