Endoscopic spine surgery for obesity-related surgical challenges: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence

Article information

Asian Spine J. 2025;19(2):292-310

Publication date (electronic) : 2025 April 7

doi : https://doi.org/10.31616/asj.2024.0376

Wongthawat Liawrungrueang¹, Watcharaporn Cholamjiak², Peem Sarasombath³, Yudha Mathan Sakti⁴, Pang Hung Wu⁵, Meng-Huang Wu^6,7,8, Yu-Jen Lu⁹, Lo Cho Yau¹⁰, Zenya Ito¹¹, Sung Tan Cho¹², Dong-Gune Chang¹³, Kang Taek Lim¹⁴

¹Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand

²Department of Mathematics, School of Science, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand

³Department of Orthopaedics, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand

⁴Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

⁵Achieve Spine and Orthopaedic Centre, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore

⁶Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

⁷Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan

⁸Prospective Innovation Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

⁹Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan

¹⁰Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, North District Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

¹¹Department of Orthopaedics, Aichi Spine Hospital, Nagoya, Japan

¹²Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul Seonam Hospital, Seoul, Korea

¹³Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

¹⁴Department of Neurosurgery, AIN Hospital, Incheon, Korea

Corresponding author: Wongthawat Liawrungrueang, Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand, Tel: +66-89-148-3458, Fax: +66-54-466-759, E-mail: mint11871@hotmail.com, mint11871@gmail.com

Received 2024 September 9; Revised 2024 November 29; Accepted 2024 December 18.

Abstract

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Introduction

The global prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions, with over 650 million adults classified as obese according to the World Health Organization [1,2]. Obesity is a multifactorial condition associated with numerous comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and degenerative musculoskeletal disorders [2,3]. The increasing incidence of obesity poses substantial challenges to spinal surgery because excess body mass complicates operative management and adversely affects surgical outcomes [4]. Patients with obesity are at a greater risk of perioperative complications, including wound infections, prolonged operative times, and extended hospital stays, which contribute to higher morbidity and healthcare costs [5–7]. These challenges are particularly pronounced in traditional open spinal surgery that often requires large incisions, extensive tissue dissection, and prolonged recovery periods [4,8].

Minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as endoscopic spine surgery (ESS), offer a potential solution to the surgical challenges associated with obesity. ESS, which utilizes small incisions and endoscopic visualization for spinal decompression and discectomy, has attracted significant attention because it can minimize tissue trauma, reduce blood loss, and accelerate postoperative recovery. By minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure, ESS has decreased the incidence of perioperative complications commonly associated with open spinal surgery [9–12]. Despite its theoretical advantages, the application of ESS in patients who are obese presents distinct technical and anatomical challenges that have not been comprehensively addressed in the literature. The utility of ESS in obese populations is noteworthy given the disproportionate burden of degenerative spinal diseases in this group. Obesity is a risk factor for lumbar disc herniation and other spinal pathologies; thus, these patients often require surgery [4,13,14]. However, the increased soft tissue mass in patients with obesity complicates surgical access and visualization, potentially prolonging operative times and increasing the risk of complications such as dural tears and infection [13,15,16]. Although ESS has demonstrated positive outcomes in nonobese populations, its safety and efficacy in patients who are obese remain underexplored. Furthermore, obesity is a potential risk factor for recurrent symptoms following spinal surgery, raising questions about the long-term effectiveness of ESS in this demographic.

This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed the available evidence on the use of ESS in patients with obesity and lumbar spine pathologies. By evaluating the outcomes of ESS techniques, including fully endoscopic and biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (ELD) and decompression, this systematic review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy, safety, and technical feasibility of ESS in patients who are obese. Given the growing prevalence of obesity and its effect on spinal health, understanding the role of ESS in this patient population is critical to optimizing surgical strategies and improving patient outcomes. The findings will be essential for identifying best practices and refining surgical techniques tailored to the unique anatomical challenges presented by obesity.

Methods

Results

The initial search across the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases yielded 2,975 studies. After 1,797 duplicate records and studies not published in English were removed, 1,178 articles were screened based on their titles and abstracts. After applying the selection criteria, 1,058 articles were excluded, primarily due to their irrelevance to the topic. A total of 120 full-text articles were retrieved and assessed for eligibility, of which 80 were further excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, 10 studies were included in the final systematic review. The PRISMA flow diagram of the study selection process is shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flow diagram of this study.

Study design and publication information

This systematic review included 10 studies published between 2000 and 2024, covering ESS use in patients with obesity and lumbar spine conditions. The studies were conducted in China, South Korea, Greece, United States, and a multinational collaboration (Fig. 2). Of the 10 studies, six were retrospective cohort studies, three were prospective cohort studies, and one was a comparative cohort study involving both prospective and retrospective data. The studies focused on various ESS techniques, such as transforaminal ELD, interlaminar ELD, fully ELD, unilateral biportal endoscopy, and percutaneous ELD. The primary objectives were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESS in patients with obesity, assess surgical outcomes, and identify risk factors for complications or recurrence. All the studies highlight the diverse approaches to studying ESS in obese populations, with attention to both perioperative complications and long-term outcomes and functional improvement (Table 1).

Fig. 2

The distribution of country studies in endoscopic spine surgery related to obesity.

Table 1

Demographic data of this systematic review

Risk-of-bias analysis

All 10 studies were not RCTs and were assessed using the ROBINS-I tool (Cochrane) [18]. The risk-of-bias analyses in Table 2 and Fig. 3 show that most studies had a moderate overall risk-of-bias, primarily due to confounding and participant selection. The study by Yao et al. [20] had a serious risk-of-bias, whereas studies by Kapetanakis [21], Yu et al. [22,23], and Qu et al. [24] exhibited a low risk overall. All studies showed a low risk-of-bias in classifying interventions and outcome measurement, ensuring reliable assessments of the procedures. Despite concerns about missing data and deviations from the intended interventions, the studies provided a solid basis for evaluating the effectiveness of ESS in patients with obesity.

Table 2

Risk of bias analysis using ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized controlled trial studies

Fig. 3

Risk of bias summary for non-randomized controlled trials, assessed using the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions ROBINS-I tool (Cochrane, London, UK).

Surgical outcomes

The studies included in this systematic review encompassed a total of 736 patients, with individual study sample sizes ranging from 30 to 174 patients. The age of the participants varied widely, with most studies reporting a mean age range of 24–61 years, depending on the population and study design. The sex distribution across studies was generally balanced, with male-to-female ratios ranging from approximately 1:1 to 2:1. All patients had a BMI ≥30 kg/m², and some studies specifically focused on patients who were morbidly obese (BMI >40 kg/m²). The overall BMI range spanned from 30 to >40 kg/m², reflecting the focus on obese and morbidly obese populations undergoing ESS. The studies highlighted various demographic and clinical characteristics, representing a diverse population of patients with obesity and lumbar spine conditions. A summary of the effectiveness and outcome of ESS for patients with obesity is shown in Table 3.

Table 3

Summary of the effectiveness and outcome of endoscopic spine surgery for obesity patients

Pain reduction

All 10 studies consistently reported significant reductions in postoperative pain, as assessed using the VAS. The reductions in pain scores ranged from 50% to 80%, with the participants experiencing substantial pain relief following various ESS procedures, including transforaminal and interlaminar approaches with uniportal and biportal endoscopic decompression. In most studies, pain relief was observed as early as the first follow-up, typically within 1–3 months postoperatively, and these improvements were sustained throughout the follow-up period, which extended up to 24 months. Wang et al. [25] and Kapetanakis et al. [21] reported >70% VAS score reductions, with pain relief sustained through the final follow-up. These results demonstrate that ESS effectively alleviates pain in patients with obesity, with outcomes comparable with those in patients without obesity undergoing similar procedures.

Functional improvement

Eight of the included studies reported functional outcomes as measured by the ODI. ODI score reductions ranged from 30% to 70%, indicating a significant improvement in patients’ ability to perform daily activities. For instance, Kapetanakis et al. [21] reported an ODI reduction of 65% at the 24-month follow-up, indicating long-term improvements in health-related quality of life in patients with obesity. In most studies, functional improvements were observed within the first 3 months postoperatively, which were sustained over time, reflecting the durability of ESS in restoring physical function. In some cases, such as in the study by Bae and Lee [26], the functional outcomes for patients with obesity were on par with those for patients without obesity, showing no significant differences in ODI reductions between the groups. This finding indicates that ESS offers similar functional recovery for patients with obesity as it does for patients without obesity despite the additional surgical challenges posed by obesity.

Complication and infection rates

Complication rates associated with ESS in patients with obesity were generally low, with rates ranging from 5% to 10% across the included studies. The most frequently reported complications were nerve root irritation, dural tears, and wound infections. For example, Wu et al. [27] reported a 7% complication rate, including transient nerve root irritation that resolved without long-term sequelae. Similarly, Yao et al. [20] reported a 5% complication rate, which included dural tears and recurrence of herniation that were successfully managed with conservative treatment or revision surgery. The infection rates in all studies were significantly lower with ESS, with infection rates reported between 0%. This is particularly relevant for patients with obesity, who are typically at a higher risk for wound infections in open procedures. For instance, Olson et al. [28] and Leyendecker et al. [29] noted that the ESS-associated reduced tissue disruption significantly minimized postoperative infections in patients with obesity. Overall, these findings highlight the safety profile of ESS, with a low incidence of serious complications, making it a viable option for patients with obesity.

Operative time and recovery

Operative times for ESS in patients with obesity were longer than those without it, with the average duration ranging from 90 to 180 minutes depending on the complexity of the procedure and extent of obesity. Bae and Lee [26] and Yu et al. [22,23] reported longer operative times in patients with obesity, attributing this to the technical challenges of navigating through thicker soft tissues and the increased difficulty of visualizing anatomical landmarks. Despite these longer operative times, ESS was associated with shorter hospital stays, typically ranging from 2 to 4 days, compared with the 5–7 days commonly reported for open surgeries. Qu et al. [24] found that adolescents with obesity who were undergoing ESS for lumbar disc herniation had an average hospital stay of 3 days, significantly shorter than those undergoing traditional open procedures. In addition, Bergquist et al. [30] reported that despite longer preparation and operative times in patients with obesity, recovery was generally faster, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a few weeks postoperatively. These findings indicate that despite the longer operative time for ESS in patients with obesity, its minimally invasive nature leads to quicker postoperative recovery and shorter hospital stays, which may contribute to reduced healthcare costs and improved patient satisfaction.

Meta-analysis and publication bias analysis

In this study, only some articles with complete data can be included in the meta-analysis and publication bias analysis. The meta-analysis and publication bias analysis revealed that ESS offers comparable functional outcomes for patients with and without obesity despite some differences in operative time and pain relief. Although publication bias was minimal for ODI and VAS leg pain, potential biases in VAS back pain and operative time highlight the need for further high-quality studies with broader representation. To assess the outcomes of ESS in patients with and without obesity, a meta-analysis focusing on the following key clinical parameters was conducted: back pain (VAS back), leg pain (VAS leg), functional disability (ODI), and operative time. Three studies have reported on VAS back pain. The pooled mean difference (MD) was 0.51 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04–0.98; p=0.03), significantly favoring the nonobese group. Heterogeneity was high (I²=88%, p=0.0002), reflecting the variability among the included studies (Fig. 4A). Three studies analyzed VAS leg pain. The pooled MD was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.56–1.34; p<0.00001), indicating significantly better outcomes in the nonobese group. Heterogeneity was substantial (I²=83%, p=0.003) (Fig. 4B). Three studies reported functional outcomes measured by the ODI, and the pooled MD was −0.17 (95% CI, −1.74 to 1.40; p=0.83), indicating no significant difference between the obese and nonobese groups. Heterogeneity was moderate (I²=58%, p=0.09) (Fig. 4C). Three studies reported operative times, with a pooled MD of 6.11 minutes (95% CI, 4.40–7.82; p<0.00001), which was significantly longer in the obese group. High heterogeneity was observed (I²=90%, p<0.0001), likely due to the technical challenges associated with obesity (Fig. 4D). Although the obese group experience longer operative times and slightly less pain relief than the nonobese group, functional outcomes (ODI) are comparable between the groups.

Fig. 4

Forest plot comparison of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) back (A), VAS leg (B), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (C), and operative time (D) in obese and non-obese patients undergoing endoscopic spine surgery. SD, standard deviation; IV, inverse variance; CI, confidence interval; df, degree of freedom.

For each outcome, funnel plots were generated to evaluate the potential for publication bias in the included studies (Fig. 5). The funnel plot for VAS back pain exhibited asymmetry, suggesting the potential for publication bias. Smaller studies with less precise estimates may have influenced the pooled results (Fig. 5A). The funnel plot for the VAS leg pain was relatively symmetric, indicating a low likelihood of publication bias. However, the limited number of studies warrants careful interpretation (Fig. 5B). The funnel plot for the ODI was also relatively symmetric, proposing minimal publication bias. The distribution of studies supports the robustness of the findings for functional outcomes (Fig. 5C). The funnel plot for the operative time demonstrated asymmetry, indicating potential publication bias (Fig. 5D). This may be due to the overrepresentation of studies reporting longer operative times in the obese group.

Fig. 5

Funnel plot of publication bias for Visual Analog Scale (VAS) back (A), VAS leg (B), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (C), and operative time (D). SE, standard error; MD, mean difference.

Discussion

This systematic review evaluated the safety and efficacy of ESS in patients with obesity and lumbar spine conditions. The findings demonstrate that ESS offers significant benefits for this population, with substantial pain reduction and improved functional outcomes [26,31,32]. Despite the obesity-related surgical challenges such as increased operative time and a slightly elevated risk of recurrence, ESS provided comparable long-term outcomes to patients without obesity, supporting its role as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery [10,22,23]. The lower complication and infection rates observed across the studies further highlight ESS as a viable and potentially superior option for managing lumbar spine disorders in patients with obesity. One of the key advantages of ESS identified in this review is its lower complication rates, particularly in terms of wound infections, than traditional open spine surgery [10,22,26]. Patients with obesity undergoing open surgery are at a higher risk of postoperative wound infections because of the larger incisions and increased tissue trauma. In contrast, the smaller incisions and less invasive nature of ESS contribute to significantly lower infection rates, with rates ranging from 0% to 3% [22,23,26,33]. This finding aligns with the existing data suggesting that minimally invasive techniques reduce the risk of surgical site infections, which is important in patients with obesity in whom wound healing can be compromised.

The effect of obesity on surgical outcomes complicates spinal surgery due to factors such as increased soft tissue, difficulty in accessing anatomical structures, and prolonged operative times. This review confirmed that operative times were generally longer for patients with obesity undergoing ESS, with procedures lasting between 90 and 180 minutes [22,27,29]. Despite these extended durations, the outcomes were not negatively affected. As measured by the ODI, the functional improvements and significant reductions in VAS scores indicate that ESS can effectively manage lumbar spine conditions in the obese group, providing outcomes similar to those observed in the nonobese group [28].

Several studies have reported symptom recurrence, particularly following PELD; the overall recurrence rates were relatively low, ranging from 3% to 14% [22,23,26,27]. Obesity was identified as a potential risk factor for recurrence, which is consistent with previous studies that highlight the increased biomechanical stress on the spine in individuals with obesity [34]. However, most recurrences were managed conservatively or with revision surgery and did not significantly affect the overall efficacy of ESS. The low rates of major complications, including dural tears and nerve root irritation, further support the safety profile of ESS in patients with obesity [24,28]. Furthermore, in this systematic review, the author performed a multimetric comparison across studies on ESS for patients with obesity. The bar chart represents the size of the study groups (Fig. 6), whereas the overlaid line plots show the complication rates, operative times, length of hospital stay, age, and BMI. The visualization highlights correlations and patterns, such as the relationship between higher BMI, age, and complication rates. This report provides an integrated overview, enhancing the understanding of patient demographics and outcomes across the reviewed studies (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6

Comparison chart of study metrics in endoscopic spine surgery for obese patients. BMI, body mass index.

ESS has demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with obesity, and specific technical challenges must be considered [9,31,35]. The increased soft tissue mass in the obese group can make access to the spinal structures more difficult, potentially leading to longer operative times and the need for specialized instruments [10,12]. Moreover, surgeons must account for the altered anatomy in patients with obesity, which may require adjustments in positioning and the use of extended-length instruments. These factors underscore the importance of surgical expertise and preoperative planning to optimize outcomes in this patient population [28,31,36]. Despite these challenges, the results of this review indicate that ESS remains a highly effective option for patients with obesity when performed by experienced surgeons [24,28,37].

The findings of this review have important clinical implications. Given the rising global prevalence of obesity and the associated increase in spinal disorders, surgical approaches that can mitigate the risks associated with obesity are increasingly needed. ESS, with its minimally invasive nature and favorable safety profile, offers an attractive alternative to traditional open surgery, particularly in reducing perioperative complications and enhancing faster recovery. Clinicians should consider ESS as a primary surgical option for patients with obesity and lumbar spine pathologies, particularly for those at high risk for wound complications or extended hospital stay [24,28,38,39].

The recent review by Jitpakdee et al. [9] compared uniportal and biportal ESS approaches, highlighting their distinct advantages and limitations. The uniportal approach, with a single incision and minimal muscle dissection, is better suited for transforaminal access and requires a rigid working channel but involves a steeper learning curve and higher instrument costs. It offers precision in discectomy with minimal muscle injury and enhanced visualization for fusion; however, it lacks independent instrument maneuverability. Conversely, the biportal approach involves greater maneuverability and a shorter learning curve but necessitates triangulation skills and is less suitable for transforaminal procedures. It excels in complex decompression tasks, such as contralateral sublaminar decompression, is preferred for multilevel stenosis, and enables superior visibility during fusion [9]. Overall, the approaches have unique strengths that make them suitable for different procedural needs and surgeon preferences. Biportal endoscopic surgery has potential advantages for degenerative spinal disease. A recent meta-analysis study by He et al. [40] reported that uniportal techniques often result in shorter operative times and less intraoperative blood loss, whereas biportal approaches offer superior dural sac expansion and greater instrument maneuverability, which can be advantageous in patients with obesity where visibility and access can be challenging because of excess soft tissue. Given the rapid advancements in both techniques, further studies comparing these approaches are crucial. Specifically, studies focusing on patients with obesity would help clarify which technique provides the best balance of efficiency, safety, and clinical outcomes.

Although patients with obesity experienced slightly less improvement in pain relief (VAS back and leg) and had significantly longer operative times, the findings of our meta-analysis reveal that ESS provides comparable functional outcomes (ODI) to patients with and without obesity. These findings highlight the efficacy of ESS in addressing the unique challenges posed by obesity while maintaining positive clinical outcomes. However, the high heterogeneity in most outcomes underscores the variability in surgical techniques, patient populations, and methodologies, indicating the need for more standardized approaches in future research. Publication bias analysis, as indicated by funnel plots, showed minimal bias for ODI and VAS leg pain; however, potential biases were noted in VAS back pain and operative time. These findings emphasize the importance of cautious interpretation of the results and the need for broader, high-quality studies to validate the outcomes and address the limitations of this meta-analysis.

The study limitations should be considered to provide context for the findings. First, the included studies exhibited significant heterogeneity in terms of surgical methods, patient populations, and outcome measures. Some were single-arm studies that focused on endoscopic techniques, whereas others compared endoscopic surgery with different surgical modalities, making a comprehensive meta-analysis challenging despite our efforts to account for variability through subgroup analyses. Second, the body of literature specifically addressing ESS in patients with obesity is limited, and no RCTs have been conducted, which constrains the generalizability of the findings. Future research should focus on developing specialized technologies and instruments designed to address the unique anatomical challenges associated with obesity. Preoperative protocols aimed at optimizing patient selection and preparation could further improve outcomes [41]. In addition, long-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the durability of ESS outcomes, particularly concerning recurrence rates and the progression of degenerative spinal conditions. Finally, integrating advanced technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery and augmented reality into ESS may enhance its precision and overall effectiveness in this high-risk population. A summary of the advantages and strategies of ESS for patients with obesity is presented in Table 4.

Table 4

Summary of the advantages and strategies of endoscopic spine surgery for obese patients for current and future practice

Conclusions

ESS is a viable and effective option for patients with obesity, offering reduced perioperative morbidity and favorable functional outcomes. Adapting ESS techniques to address the unique challenges of obesity can significantly enhance surgical safety and patient recovery. Further large-scale, multicenter studies with long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings and refine techniques for broader application in this high-risk population.

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