Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (UBE-TLIF): Principles, Techniques, and Outcomes

Unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (UBE-TLIF) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that enables neural decompression and interbody fusion via two working portals. This approach leverages the benefits of endoscopic visualization, continuous irrigation, and enhanced maneuverability to minimize soft tissue disruption while achieving reliable decompression and fusion. Advances in cage design, including both static and expandable devices, have facilitated safe and effective device placement through small working channels. Clinical studies demonstrate that endoscopic fusion can produce favorable outcomes in terms of pain relief, functional improvement, and radiographic fusion rates. This chapter outlines the indications, operative technique, perioperative management, outcomes, and complication profile of UBE-TLIF.