WeLive Orthopedic HospitalKJ Tower 5F–8F, Tangjeong, Asan
Treatments / Surgical Clinic
Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE)

Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Two openings of about 5 mm are made: one for the endoscope and one for surgical instruments.

Under regional anesthesia, the surgeon removes the lesion while looking at it directly through a high-resolution magnifying endoscope. It gives the result of surgery with the gentleness of a procedure, removing the lesion while limiting damage to nearby nerves, muscles, blood vessels and endplates for a fast, safe recovery.

Endoscopic treatmentTreated while watching a live endoscope camera
Incisions under 1 cmAlmost no scarring or damage to surrounding tissue and nerves
Gentle on the bodySuitable for older patients and people with chronic illness
Quick return to daily lifeSmall incisions, fast recovery

Why biportal endoscopy?

WE LIVENext-generation spine treatment combining the strengths of procedures and surgery, with a wide, clear view for many spinal conditions.

Recommended for

Minimal skin incision

Only an incision under 1 cm, with almost no bleeding or scarring compared with open surgery.

Precise, careful surgery

Precise work without putting nerves at risk.

High success rate

Almost no bone is removed, so the spine is not destabilized after surgery.

Questions patients ask

Can I walk right after surgery?

Yes, after about 30 minutes of rest.

I'm older and worried about complications.

Spinal endoscopy is minimally invasive through a 1 cm opening, with little bleeding and no need for transfusion, so the risk of side effects and complications is low.

Is it true there's almost no scar?

Yes. Unlike older spine surgery with incisions over 2 cm, it leaves almost no scar while allowing detailed treatment.

When is spinal endoscopy not possible?

When the herniated disc has migrated far up or down, in severe degenerative spondylosis with narrowed disc space, severe lumbar stenosis, spinal instability, or disc lesions with bone spurs.

AftercareExcess scar tissue can grow at the surgical site and cause pain, so an anti-adhesion agent may be applied to prevent adhesions around the nerve.