What is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive spine surgery that uses specialized video cameras and instruments to remove nerve compression through small incisions.
Indications of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery is considered as a last resort for treating spinal conditions in the neck and back when conservative treatments have failed to improve your symptoms. It is considered to treat various spinal disorders and conditions, including:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated discs
- Sciatica
- Stenosis
As endoscopic spine surgery has progressed, it can now be used to treat:
- Spinal infections
- Spinal tumors
- Spinal instability
- Spondylolithesis
Endoscopic Spine Surgery Procedure
Endoscopic spine procedures are performed using a tool called an endoscope, a thin tube with a tiny video camera on the end of it. The camera displays the images of the inside of the body onto the television screens, helping your doctor view the operating site. During the procedure, fluoroscopes (X-ray machines) are used to provide the best views of your spine. The endoscope is inserted through a small cut and guided to the affected area. The approach is through your back to gain access to the spine. Either one incision (uniportal) or two incisions (biportal) are created to perform the procedure.
Post-procedure Protocol
With endoscopic spine surgery, you will go home the same day of surgery in the vast majority of cases. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are recommended to mobilize the spine and loosen the muscles after your soft tissues heal. Therapy is usually started 6 weeks after surgery. Until then, Dr Park recommends you walking as much as possible and try to avoid bending, lifting and twisting for the first 2 to 4 weeks.
Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Traditional open surgery typically requires a larger incision, muscle stripping, longer hospitalization and increased recovery time. The advantages of endoscopic procedures when compared to the traditional procedures include the following:
- Small incision and minimal scar tissue formation
- Less blood loss
- Less damage to the surrounding tissues
- Faster recovery
- Quick return to normal activities
- Decreased hospital stay
- Less postoperative pain
- Reduced risk of infection
- Improved function
- Furthermore, we can precisely pinpoint and treat and problem
Risks and Complications of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Like any type of surgery, there are certain risks associated with endoscopic spine surgery, such as:
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Blood loss
- Infections
- Nerve injury (including weakness and very rarely paralysis)
- Need for additional surgeries
- Pain
- Swelling of the surrounding soft tissues
- Leakage of spinal fluid causing a headache
