The Microscope and the Tubular System: Trend or Real Benefit in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Disc Herniation?

The use of the microscope in minimally invasive spinal surgery has contributed to improvements, as it provides the surgeon with a better view of the surgical field, due to the magnification, depth, and better illumination of anatomical structures of vital importance for the patient's functionality, and also supports the ergonomics of the patient and surgeon within the surgical act. Tubular microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that works through a small incision, with less injury to the paraspinal muscles, less tissue retraction, and, therefore, less probability of producing postoperative infections. It can be applied in different pathologies of the lumbar spine and is an effective surgical technique for the treatment of lumbar disc pathology and spinal stenosis, with the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery.