[Objective] To investigate the practicability and clinical efficacy of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for single-level lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis with bilateral expandable tubular channels. [Methods] From September 2015 to August 2017, 21 patients with single-level lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis were treated with MIS-TLIF assisted by bilateral expandable channels，There were 9 males and 12 females, including 16 cases of slippage degree II and 5 cases of degree III. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time after surgery, complication rate and incidence of asymptomatic lateral root symptoms were recorded. Visual analogue scores (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) , Slippage rate and local Cobb angle were recorded before operation, and follow-up. Lumbar spine X-ray and CT were taken 12 months after operation to judge the intervertebral bony fusion. [Results] The average operation time was (202.4 +28.3) min and blood loss was (242.9 +89.8) ml. During the operation, 2 cases had dural tear, which were sutured immediately without cerebrospinal fluid leakage and incision nonunion, no nail-related nerve injury, infection and asymptomatic lateral root symptoms aggravated occurred after operation, postoperative hospital stay was (4.5 +1.9) days. Preoperative low back pain VAS score, leg pain VAS score, ODI, local Cobb angle and Slippage rate were 6.7±1.31, 6.8±1.8, 52.2%±13.1%, 10.4°±9.3°, 39.9%±13.1% while at final follow-up were 2.1±1.0, 0.7±0.7, 14.7%±6.2% ,19.0°±3.7°, 6.6%±4.2%. 14 cases of Bridwell I and 7 cases of Bridwell II intervertebral fusion at final follow-up and no pedicle screw crack. [Conclusion] MIS-TLIF with bilateral expandable tubular channels is safe and effective approach for single-level lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis.