Endoscopic Spine

Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat a variety of spine conditions, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other issues affecting the spine. The procedure involves using a small camera (endoscope) inserted through a small incision in the skin, allowing the surgeon to visualize and treat the affected area of the spine with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

Types of Endoscopic Spine Surgery

There are several types of endoscopic spine surgery, each targeting different spine conditions:

1. Endoscopic Discectomy:
   • Purpose: Removal of a herniated disc pressing on the nerve.
   • When Needed: For patients with disc herniation causing leg or back pain, numbness, or weakness.
2. Endoscopic Spinal Decompression:
   • Purpose: Removal of tissue or bone that’s compressing the spinal cord or nerves (e.g., in cases of spinal stenosis).
   • When Needed: When narrowing of the spinal canal is causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs or arms.
3. Endoscopic Fusion:
   • Purpose: To stabilize the spine, often in cases of degenerative disc disease or after disc removal.
   • When Needed: For patients with spinal instability or degenerative conditions where fusion of vertebrae is required.
4. Endoscopic Facet Joint Surgery:
   • Purpose: Treatment for facet joint pain or arthritis, usually by removing bone spurs or tissue causing nerve compression.
   • When Needed: In patients with facet joint arthritis or spinal arthritis causing back pain.

When Are These Treatments Needed?

Endoscopic spine surgery is typically considered when:

• Conservative treatments (e.g., physical therapy, pain management, medications) have not provided relief.
• The patient has a well-defined, localized problem in the spine, such as a herniated disc or stenosis.
• The patient is a candidate for a minimally invasive approach (depending on age, health, and specific spine issue).

Conditions treated with endoscopic spine surgery include:

• Herniated discs causing nerve compression.
• Spinal stenosis where narrowing of the spinal canal leads to nerve compression.
• Degenerative disc disease, which can lead to instability or pain.
• Spinal arthritis or facet joint issues.

Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery

The benefits of endoscopic spine surgery over traditional open surgery include:

1. Smaller Incisions: The small incisions (usually 1-2 cm) reduce the trauma to the body compared to larger, traditional incisions.
2. Less Muscle and Tissue Damage: Since the procedure is minimally invasive, it doesn’t involve cutting through muscles and other tissues, leading to less pain and a faster recovery.
3. Reduced Risk of Infection: Smaller incisions mean a lower risk of infection.
4. Faster Recovery: Patients typically experience less post-surgical pain and can return to normal activities much faster—often within a few days to a couple of weeks, as opposed to the months needed for recovery from traditional open spine surgery.
5. Shorter Hospital Stay: Many endoscopic spine surgeries are outpatient procedures, meaning the patient can go home the same day.
6. Less Scarring: The minimal incisions lead to smaller scars.
7. Lower Risk of Complications: Since the procedure is less invasive, there’s a lower risk of complications such as blood loss, nerve damage, and longer-term disability.