Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure of spine where  endoscope is  inserted into the body to remove herniated discs. These protruded discs are responsible for causing leg & back pain restricting the mobility of individuals. A small incision or puncture is made into the skin after dilating the muscles & tissues surrounding the area & endoscopic spine surgery for disc is performed through the ‘keyhole’ like incision. Small incision leads to less blood loss, less pain & faster healing time.

What is the right time to get endoscopic spine surgery for disc?

This procedure is always preferred over old traditional surgeries. Initial treatment usually start with medication and some exercises and some precautions. If that doesn’t help and the symptoms are severe, spine specialist would recommend endoscopic discectomy. 

Various radiology tests like MRI/ CT scan & X-ray are done to assess the extent of damage before the pain specialist performs endoscopic spine procedure for disc.

Benefit of endoscopic discectomy

There has been a phenomenal progress in the arena of medical science that twenty-first century has witnessed. Some minimally invasive procedures have provided enormous relief to patients causing minimum loss of blood & tissues, however, rendering maximum benefits.

Example, Angioplasty has replaced more than 90 % of Open cardiac surgeries and have better results and less complications.

NO NEED TO OPEN UP THE SPINE

The endoscope allows the Interventionist to use a keyhole incision to access the herniated disc.

NO NEED TO CUT THE BONES AND MUSCLES

Muscle and tissue are dilated when accessing the disc. This leads to less tissue destruction, less postoperative pain, quicker recovery times, earlier rehabilitation, and avoidance of general anesthesia.

NO NEED TO REMOVE THE HEALTHY PORTION OF DISC

The excellent visualization via the endoscope permits the Interventionist to selectively remove a portion of the herniated nucleus pulposus that is contributing to the patients leg and back pain.

NO HOSPITALIZATION IS NEEDED

The procedure is performed in a day care setting. Procedure takes approximately 1 hour. This procedure is done under local Anesthesia and under Fluoroscopy and endoscopic guidance.

This procedure guided by an endoscope is one such day care procedure where patients are at liberty to leave the hospital the same day. However, rigorous physical activities are strictly limited during the healing period.

Endoscopic spine surgery for disc brings about immediate post-operative relief to patients as regards to pain.

Healing with endoscopic spine surgery for disc

A brace is advised to all patients for comfort & the pain subsides within 2 weeks of the procedure. 4-6 weeks is the ideal healing time, post which a patient can return to his or her normal routine of work, driving & light exercising. Physical therapy improves this condition drastically after endoscopic spine surgery for disc.