What Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

Endoscopic spine surgery is a type of minimally invasive spine surgery that uses an endoscope to access and treat spinal tissues through small incisions. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube that is equipped with a camera and a light.

Traditional spinal surgeries require a larger incision and more extensive muscle dissection. The minimally invasive nature of endo spine surgery can promote quicker healing, reduced blood loss, and less scarring.

A neurosurgeon or spine surgeon can use the endoscopic method to treat a wide range of conditions, including the following:

• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress nerves
• Herniated Discs: discs that have protruded beyond their normal boundaries, pressing on adjacent nerves
• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): deterioration of spinal discs that causes pain and reduced mobility
• Scoliosis: Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine

While endoscopic spine surgery is not an option for every situation or patient, it is a viable intervention for many different conditions and may be the best approach for your medical needs.

Types of Endoscopic Spine Surgery

The most common types of endoscopic spine surgery include the following:

• Endoscopic Discectomy: Surgeon removes herniated disc material to relieve nerve compression
• Endoscopic Foraminotomy: Broadens the spinal canal opening to reduce pressure on spinal nerves caused by stenosis or bone spurs
• Endoscopic Laminectomy: Removes part of the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, addressing conditions like lumbar stenosis or herniated discs
• Endoscopic Spinal Fusion: Stabilizes the spine for conditions like DDD or scoliosis by fusing two or more vertebrae using a minimally invasive approach

The specific recovery timetable for an endoscopic procedure will vary based on your individual health history and your condition. Your postoperative restrictions will differ as well. For example, your surgeon will recommend different physical therapy interventions after endoscopic spinal stenosis surgery than after endoscopic lumbar spine surgery.

How Endoscopic Spine Surgery Works

Your surgeon will perform the following steps before and during endoscopic spine surgery:

Diagnosis

Step one involves identifying which conditions are causing your symptoms. Your surgeon will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and capture images via an MRI or CT scan. These images help them pinpoint the source of the issue and identify which discs or nerves have been affected.

Small Incisions

At the start of the procedure, your surgeon will make one or more tiny incisions, each one usually less than half an inch long, around the affected area. They will provide an access point for the endoscope and other tools.

Endoscope Insertion

The surgeon will insert an endoscope through one of the incisions. The device provides real-time high-definition video of the surgical area on a monitor.

Use of Precise Tools

Your surgeon will insert one or more specialized tools alongside the endoscope. These tools allow them to remove herniated disc material or decompress nerves.

Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery

An endoscopic spine surgery procedure can provide patients with many advantages. Here are some key benefits this procedure offers:

Minimized Scarring and Reduced Blood Loss

Traditional surgical procedures are known for creating large scars, which can negatively impact someone’s body image and self-confidence. Your spine fusion scar will be smaller with an endoscopic approach.

Instead of having one very large scar, you will have one or more small incision sites that are usually less than half an inch long. A smaller incision site also means less blood loss. Reduced blood loss can decrease the risk of complications and eliminate the need for blood transfusions.

Shorter Hospital Stays and Faster Recovery Times

An endoscopic approach can promote faster spinal fusion recovery. That’s because the surgeon will be making a smaller incision and will not have to disturb as much muscle tissue to access the spine. Additionally, you will have a shorter hospital stay. Some patients are able to leave on the same day.

Lower Risk of Complications Compared to Open Surgery

With smaller incisions, there’s a lower risk for complications than with open surgery. You are less likely to deal with infection and other postoperative issues, which means you can return to your normal routine sooner.

Improved Accuracy and Precision of Treatment

Endoscopes provide your surgeon with an up-close, high-definition look at the problem area of your spine. Improving the precision of treatment can lead to better outcomes and greater quality-of-life enhancements.

Recovery After Endoscopic Spine Surgery

The timeline for recovery from endoscopic spine surgery will vary depending on the nature of the procedure and the exact condition you’re receiving treatment for. Many patients return to normal activities within a few weeks. However, it’s vital that you follow any restrictions and guidelines from your surgeon to minimize the risk of complications.

Your provider will prescribe medications to address pain in the few days following your procedure. However, it’s important to transition to over-the-counter treatments as soon as possible. You should also complete all physical therapy as recommended by your provider.

Risks and Limitations of Endoscopic Spine Surgery

There are some common risks associated with any surgical procedure, including endoscopic surgery. These risks may include:

• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Incomplete symptom relief

If an endoscopic procedure does not provide adequate access to the affected area, your neurosurgeon may recommend traditional surgery. It’s essential that you choose a qualified neurosurgeon to minimize your risks and ensure you can undergo the least invasive option possible.

Why Choose Neurosurgeons of New Jersey for Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

Neurosurgeons of New Jersey has a team of surgeons who specialize in neurosurgical spine procedures. Our staff members prioritize personalized care and use advanced techniques to give our patients the best outcomes possible. Schedule a consultation with Neurosurgeons of New Jersey and start your journey toward lasting pain relief.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option that may provide you with relief from a wide range of spinal conditions. Schedule a consultation or a same-day telehealth appointment to learn more about your treatment options.

Authors of this Blog: The Eatontown Spine Team