Reframing lumbar disc herniation: the rise of intelligent endoscopic surgery

Abstract Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a leading global cause of back and leg pain, often requiring surgical intervention. While open discectomy remains the traditional standard, it carries risks of tissue trauma and delayed recovery. Abohussein et al. provides valuable prospective evidence supporting percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (PED) as a safe and effective alternative. In twenty patients, both interlaminar and transforaminal approaches produced significant six-month improvements in pain and disability (VAS, ODI), with 85% achieving excellent and 15% good outcomes, consistent with prior meta-analyses. This study fills a crucial regional gap, demonstrating the feasibility of endoscopic techniques in resource-limited Middle Eastern and North African settings. Looking ahead, integrating artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), machine learning, and 3D morphometric simulation could further enhance surgical precision, visualization, and outcome prediction. These digital advances, combined with minimally invasive methods, may redefine the future of lumbar disc herniation management.