Application of unilateral biportal endoscopy in minimally invasive treatment of non-aggressive spinal benign tumors: technical note and preliminary clinical study.

Objective: To introduce the technical protocol of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) in the treatment of patients with non-aggressive spinal benign tumors and evaluate its clinical efficacy and safety. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 14 patients (6 males, 8 females) with pathologically confirmed spinal benign tumors who underwent UBE surgery at Chongqing University Cancer Hospital between August 2021 and December 2023. Operative duration, total perioperative blood loss, and postoperative complications were recorded. Back pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores were compared preoperatively and at postoperative day 1, 3 months, 6 months, and the final follow-up. Preoperative and predischarge CT imaging findings were also assessed. Results: All 14 patients successfully underwent UBE surgery, with a mean operative duration of 77.5 ± 21.2 min and a mean blood loss of 17.5 ± 11.7 mL. Postoperative CT confirmed adequate lesions resection. Patients were followed up for 10-30 months (mean: 16.6 ± 5.4 months). VAS scores at all postoperative timepoints showed significant improvement compared to preoperative values ( Conclusion: UBE is a safe and effective surgical option for non-aggressive spinal benign tumors, achieving satisfactory lesions resection and favorable clinical outcomes.