Programm
Dear Colleagues,
The therapy of degenerative diseases of the spine carries with it medical and socio-economic problems. After conservative measures are exhausted and where there are exacerbated pain conditions or neurological deficites, a surgical procedure may become necessary. Despite good therapy results, consecutive damage may ensue due to traumatisation. It is therefore of particular importance to optimize these procedures on a continuous basis. The goal we should strive for is the minimisation of surgically induced traumatisation and negative longterm consequences, taking into account the existing quality standard.
Minimally invasive techniques can reduce tissue damage and its consequences. Endoscopic surgeries demonstrate advantages which have raised these procedures to the standard in various medical areas. On the lumbar spine, as a result of the development of the interlaminar and lateral transforaminal access, the spinal canal with its adjoining structures can be reached full endoscopically. Technical problems have been solved by special rod-lens endoscopes with a large intra-endoscopic working channel and appropriate instruments. Working under a continuous stream of liquid offers options which have proved their worth in arthroscopic surgery through long experience. In the area of the cervical spine anterior or posterior access is possible.
Today, the combination of the new surgical access routes with the technical developments makes possible a full-endoscopic methodology coupled with excellent visibility which, taking into account the indication criteria, carries with it the advantages of a truly minimally invasive procedure and is sufficient, low in complications and economic. Principal indications are disc herniations, spinal canal stenosis and intradiscal procedures such as the introduction of implants.
Full-endoscopic surgeries are an addition and an alternative within the overall concept of spinal surgery. Nevertheless, because of clear indications and boundaries, open and maximally invasive procedures are necessary. These must be mastered by the spinal surgeon in order, while taking into account the respective pathology, to be able to offer the appropriate procedure as well as cope with problems and complications of full-endoscopic surgeries.
In order to be able to visualize the exact position in the space at any time during the surgery, detailed knowledge of the anatomy is a prerequisite. In addition, for the three-dimensional understanding of the anatomical and pathological structures, the imaginary linking of different imaging procedures and their sectional planes is necessary. This applies in particular to endoscopic techniques in which the direct visual reference between surgical access and working on the spot is lacking.
Having regard to the considerable demand for national and international training courses we hope we have pinpointed your field of interest in the enclosed program and would be happy to welcome you as a participant at our symposium and at the dinner.
Prof. Dr. med. Sebastian Ruetten
Head of the Center for Spine Surgery and Pain Therapy, Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology of the St. Elisabeth Group - Catholic Hospitals Rhein-Ruhr, St. Anna Hospital Herne/Marien Hospital Herne University Hospital/Marien Hospital Witten, Germany
Dr. med. Martin Komp
Center for Spine Surgery and Pain Therapy, Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology of the St. Elisabeth Group - Catholic Hospitals Rhein-Ruhr, St. Anna Hospital Herne/Marien Hospital Herne University Hospital/Marien Hospital Witten, Germany
Friday, May 9th, 2025
08:30 h Registration
09:00 h Welcome and introduction
Lumbar Spine:
09:05 h The full-endoscopic foraminal approach in disc herniations – Technique and indications of intra-, extra-, and transforaminal lateral access
S. Ruetten
09:25 h Instructional Video
Full-endoscopic surgery with lateral foraminal access in a disc herniation
09:45 h Discussion
09:55 h Case presentation foraminal approach
10:05 h The interlaminar full-endoscopic approach in disc herniation – State of the art, possibilities and limitations
M. Komp
10:20 h Instructional Video
Full-endoscopic surgery with interlaminar access in a disc herniation
10:40 h Discussion
10:50 h Case presentation interlaminar approach
11:00 h Break and practical exercises on simulators
11:30 h Full-endoscopic decompression in lateral and central stenosis – Application of the interlaminar and foraminal approach
S. Ruetten
11:45 h Discussion
11:55 h Case presentation lumbar stenosis
12:05 h Demonstration over-the-top decompression
A. G. Yörükoglu
12:30 h Lunch and practical exercises on simulators
13:20 h Full-endoscopic lumbar fusion
A. G. Yörükoglu
13:35 h Discussion
Cervical spine:
13:45 h The full-endoscopic surgery of the cervical spine with anterior and posterior access – Possibilities and limitations
M. Mikhael
14:00 h Instructional Video
Full-endoscopic surgery with posterior approach in a cervical disc herniation
14:20 h Case presentation cervical approach
14:30 h Break and practical exercises on simulators
Thoracic spine:
15:10 h Operation of thoracic disc herniations and stenosis in the full-endoscopic technique – Interlaminar, foraminal, and transthoracic access
M. Komp
15:25 h Discussion
15:35 h Complications (dural and nerve injury) in full-endoscopic decompression – How to reduce and how to manage
M. Mikhael
15:50 h Discussion
16:00 h End
