In order to realize percutaneous spinal surgery under the visual field, we have studied on the intraspinal surgical procedures with laser using a newly developed small diameter laser endoscope. The subarachnoid and epidural space of a goat was punctured and the endoscope (diameter 1.5 mm) was inserted through a needle. The spinal cord, nerve roots and the arachnoid were clearly observed as well as the pulsation of an artery surrounding a root. Then excimer laser was irradiated to a nerve root through 0.4mm laser fiber passed through this endoscope. The nerve root was cut within 30 seconds by excimer laser. It was demonstrated that this endoscope could become a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool, although further improvement of the bending ability of the tip of the endoscope is necessary.
