Wound dehiscence following biportal endoscopic versus microscopic spine surgery for single-level lumbar decompression: a post hoc analysis of two randomized controlled trials

The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of wound dehiscence between biportal endoscopic spine surgery (BESS) and microscopic spine surgery (MSS) for single-level lumbar decompression or discectomy and identify the risk factors associated with this complication.

Data from 2 randomized controlled trials comparing BESS and MSS for lumbar spinal stenosis and disc herniation were pooled for analysis. The primary outcome was wound dehiscence, defined as wound separation requiring resuturing after suture removal. Risk factors were analyzed using risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. A subgroup analysis was performed within the MSS group to identify additional risk factors.