endoscopic spine surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive spine surgery which helps to preserve normal range of spine mobility after surgery. In some cases, the Endoscopic spine surgery can be performed using epidural anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, decreasing overall medical risks in patients who are older and/or have co-existing medical diseases like hypertension, diabetes and heart problems that may increase the surgical risk.

Let's not confuse Endoscopic spine surgery with other types of spine surgery.

Endoscopic spine surgery should not be confused with traditional procedures—such as minimally invasive, micro invasive and/or laser spine surgeries. In the experienced hands of a spine surgeon who regularly performs endoscopic spine surgery using tubular retractors and the endoscope—the surgery is performed in a different way offering patients many potential benefits, including:

• Tubular retractors reduce the need to cut through soft tissues (eg, skin tissue-to-muscle injury or damage)
• Less blood loss
• Less post-operative discomfort or pain
• Fast recovery and healing
• However, Endoscopic spine surgery may not be appropriate for all spine surgery indications, such as scoliosis, spinal instability, cancer or trauma. In those types of cases, the surgeon may recommend a traditional open or minimally invasive spine procedure.

How is Endoscopic Spine Surgery Performed?

First, the patient is prepped for surgery including administration of a local anesthetic to block pain. A 1-inch or smaller skin incision is made and a tubular trocar (about the width of a pencil) is inserted. Depending on the patient’s specific diagnosis, the endoscopic technique may access the spine using one of two approaches: either an intralaminar (from the back of the spine between two laminae) or transforaminal (from the back/side of the spine into the neuroforamen; a nerve passageway) approach.

Next, a tiny camera is inserted through the trocar to the targeted area of the spine. Throughout Endoscopic spine surgery, the camera captures and projects real-time images of the operative site onto a monitor in the surgeon’s direct view. The endoscopic camera assists and guides the surgeon during the surgical procedure.

Are You a Candidate for Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

Many patients who are candidates for endoscopic spine surgery have been diagnosed with common types of spinal disorders. Some of these diagnoses include annular tear, moderate to severe disc herniation, facet arthropathy, sciatica and spinal stenosis. However, spine surgery is not always the first treatment. Generally non-surgical treatments like spinal injections, medical therapy should be tried before any type of spine surgery, including Endoscopic Spine Surgery.