Comparison of surgical outcomes between unilateral biportal endoscopic technique and open microdiscectomy in patients with single-level lumbar disc herniation: a single-center retrospective study in China

Despite the longer operative time, UBE is associated with reduced estimated blood loss and shorter hospital stays, offering a minimally invasive alternative with early postoperative pain relief. Conversely, open microdiscectomy, the conventional treatment approach, demonstrates comparable efficacy in long-term clinical outcomes despite its more invasive nature. Both methods show similar rates of complications and recurrent disc herniation. UBE is a viable alternative to open microdiscectomy, depending on individual patient considerations and surgical preferences.