Traditionally spine surgeons have been dealing the disc prolapses through posterior approach. It started with wide laminectomy and then hemi laminectomy came into vogue. With the advent of operating microscope we settled with a fenestration. All these approaches end in muscle retraction and some scarring of the para vertebral muscles.
Interlaminar endoscopy is a very minimalistic approach. It is done through the muscles using a key hole entry. Damage to the posterior elements is kept to a minimum. Since all the spine surgeons are familiar with the posterior approach, the learning curve is not very steep. All the traditional land marks are utilized in this approach.