If you are diagnosed with any spinal condition leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or any other neurological issues, probably endoscopic spine surgery might be a potential treatment option for your condition.” However, one needs to remember a personalised treatment option can be developed only after a thorough evaluation of your specific health condition.
In this article, you will have comprehensive information regarding endoscopic spine surgery—a minimally invasive procedure done by making a small incision in the spine. Go through the details encompassing the risks, benefits, and recovery period associated with this surgical approach.
What is endoscopic spine surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery(ESS) is an innovative and advanced minimally invasive procedure performed to treat particular spine problems.
ESS, by definition, is a surgical technique carried out by making micro-sized incisions (less than an inch) and by using small tubular systems, along with an endoscope, which provides visualization of the surgical area.
Endoscopic surgical techniques are generally used in the treatment of other body areas like gastrointestinal problems, however, advancements in optic technology, tissue visualization, and imaging became more precise making ESS the best choice of surgical treatment for many other problems including spinal conditions.
Endoscopic spine surgery is often an effective treatment option for spinal disorders such as bone spurs, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.
How is endoscopic spine surgery performed?
Endoscopic spine surgery is an invasive surgery that uses an endoscope—a 7mm tube attached with a high-resolution camera lens and a light source to the head—as a key tool in the procedure.
The endoscopic spine surgery involves creating an 8mm incision by the surgeon and he slowly separates the muscles to establish a narrow pathway for the endoscope to access the spine. The endoscopic camera captures images that are then projected onto a monitor, enabling the surgeon to observe the anatomy and identify any pathologies.
Once the projected images are available, specialized instruments are introduced through the incision to fix the problems such as bone spurs, herniated discs, or ligament problems. Following the completion of the surgery, all the tools are withdrawn, and the incision is closed by the surgeon using sutures.
Benefits of an endoscopic spine surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery offers multiple advantages for patients. Some of these benefits comprise:
Minimally Invasive
The surgery involves making a tiny incision, which minimises tissue damage and subsequently reduces pain and scarring for the patient.
Lower Risk of Infection
Due to the minimal size of the incision, endoscopic spine surgery carries lower chances of infection. Furthermore, this procedure might eliminate the necessity for implants or foreign objects to be inserted into the body.
Faster Recovery
The procedure is known for its quick recovery for patients from surgery, minimizing or eliminating tissue trauma, unlike other conventional methods. This leads to shorter hospital stays and faster resumption of regular activities.
Some other advantages include minimum muscle trauma, less tissue, dissection, less blood loss and fewer or no complications.
One of the special advantages of opting for endoscopic spine surgery is the shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery time following surgery. The success rates of this surgical approach are consistently increasing. However, this surgery might not be suitable for all spinal problems. Determining the specific type of surgery required for a patient depends on various health conditions and factors, which are best assessed by a specialized neurosurgeon.
Risks of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
ESS definitely offers many benefits for patients. However, in any major surgical procedure, there are some minor risks involved. Infection, bleeding, and nerve damage are among the most common risks experienced by patients who undergo endoscopic spine surgery.
So, if you consider undergoing any major surgical operations, it is essential to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon regarding the risks and benefits.
When is Endoscopic Spine Surgery suggested?
If you are experiencing persistent back pain, it can stem from various underlying conditions. Some of the most frequent causes of back pain include:
- Bone spurs on the spine
- Arthritis or arthritic conditions
- Disc herniation
- Disc bulge
- Spinal stenosis (foraminal stenosis)
- Degenerate disc
- Radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Sciatica
- Facet joint syndrome
Endoscopic spine surgery might be the best option if you are diagnosed with any of the back problems mentioned above.
Undoubtedly, endoscopic spine surgery requires a high level of specialization that not all neurosurgeons possess. It is a unique skill set that only a few neurosurgeons have mastered. Therefore, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of selecting a skilled and experienced spine surgeon like Dr. Surya Prakash, who has 2 decades of experience as a spine surgeon in Hyderabad. He has a well-established record of successful endoscopic spine surgeries. so if you are considering this surgical procedure call +91 9848024699 and book your appointment.
