An Introduction To Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery fulfills the task same as the open surgery of removing the ruptured disc, but involves a smaller incision. The surgeon uses a camera to locate the fragment and uses instruments to remove it, instead of looking at the herniated disc fragment with the naked eye.

The endoscopic procedure does not require anesthesia to be given to the patient. The operation is conducted by making a smaller incision while dissecting the tissue less. However, Discectomy is used only in particular cases, and not in all cases of back problems.

Many patients feel that their problem is better treated with the traditional form of discectomy, that is, open surgery. The surgery should be performed with proper care so as to eliminate any possibility of risk. Every patient should be evaluated by a knowledgeable and experienced surgeon to know about the need of an endoscopic surgery. The endoscopic method should not be used if the case can be handled by an open surgery.

Endoscopic surgery can be explained as the use of some special video cameras and instruments which pass through minor incisions to perform surgery. The invasive process is carried out using a tool called endoscope that has a video camera at the end of it. The camera at the end shows magnified images on a video screen for the doctor to see and refer.

The same endoscopic techniques that were used in other surgical disciplines earlier have now been applied to treat spinal disorders. In the process, a 7 mm invasion is made and a small needle is inserted in the disc space. Mini instruments like forceps and mini cutters are used for removal of the damaged disc. Laser technique is used for further removal and the shrinkage. The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour per disc.

There are many benefits of the endoscopic procedures. Recovery is quicker, there is less pain, and minimum damage is done to the surrounding tissues. In certain cases of back problems, spinal column problems, infection, fractures and ruptured discs, the endoscopic technique definitely speeds up the recovering process. It reduces pain after the operation and improves the final result. The surgery also causes minimum injury to the patient.

The recovery time required from a normal open surgery is 3 to 6 months. However, by endoscopic disc surgery, a patient requires just 3 to 6 weeks. After the operation is complete, a band aid is applied over the incision. In an endoscopic surgery, the surgeon does not need to move the major muscles of the back which is how it is different from an open surgery. It does not demand the stay of the person for more than a day in the hospital and ensures easy recovery.

Degenerative Spine