Neck surgery provides a proven solution for debilitating nerve pain. Surgery is a big step, however, and it can seem intimidating. Learning more is one way to feel more confident about your treatment. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides cervical spine surgeries near you in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Here, we discuss what to expect from endoscopic cervical discectomy, from treatment planning to final recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Endoscopic cervical discectomy is a treatment for nerve pain caused by a cervical herniated disc.
- Endoscopic cervical discectomy relies on endoscopes, retractors, and medical imaging to correct spine conditions with minimal surgical trauma.
- A thorough preparation stage is followed by precise operations and a guided recovery.
What Conditions Are Treated with Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy?
Cervical discectomy is a surgical treatment for a cervical herniated disc. Also called a cervical slipped or bulging disc, this condition occurs when a spinal disc ruptures. The disc’s soft, jelly-filled core may leak into the spinal canal, where it causes cervical myelopathy by compressing the spinal cord. It may also leak into the foramen, where it irritates the root nerves in a condition known as cervical radiculopathy. Both conditions cause symptoms such as:
- Tingling or burning sensations in the shoulders, arms, or hands
- Numbness or loss of sensation in the shoulders, arms, or hands
- Shooting pain that travels from the shoulders into the arms
- Pain that gets worse when the head or neck is moved
Cervical disc disorders do not go away by themselves. Instead, symptoms gradually get worse until they become debilitating. When this happens, cervical discectomy provides relief. A discectomy removes the offending disc to eliminate pressure on the spinal cord and root nerve. This instantly and permanently relieves nerve pain and allows patients to return to their former active lifestyles.
How Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy Works
Endoscopic cervical discectomy is a type of minimally invasive spine surgery. It relies on advanced tools to limit the amount of cutting required for a successful treatment, thus reducing surgical trauma. These tools include:
- Endoscope: An endoscope is a narrow, flexible tube with a tiny camera mounted on the end. It allows surgeons to see inside narrow openings to guide their work.
- Medical imaging: Surgeons may also use medical imaging devices, such as ultrasound, to provide real-time video footage inside the surgical site.
- Tubular retractors: Tubular retractors are tube-shaped tools to open an incision. They create a path to the spine while holding soft tissue aside to protect it.
These measures greatly reduce the physical trauma caused by surgery. This allows for less pain, reduced risk of over-bleeding and infection, and a smoother recovery than traditional open surgery. Patients can get back to their normal lifestyles sooner and may even have less scarring.
Preparing for Treatment
Spine surgery is a big step, even when using minimally invasive methods. This is why Dr. Branko Skovrlj and Dr. Robert J. Rothrock begin with a thorough planning and preparation stage. They use physical examinations and medical imaging to determine whether surgery is necessary and devise the correct approach. Both surgeons believe in performing the smallest possible operation that will relieve pain.
If the patient and surgeon agree to move forward with treatment, then the operation will be scheduled. The surgeon provides instructions to prepare for treatment. The patient may need to quit smoking and pause certain medications to prevent treatment complications. They should also prepare for recovery at home by arranging transportation from the hospital, requesting time off from work, and setting up their bed with pillows to support their neck while sleeping.
Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy Step-By-Step
Endoscopic cervical discectomy is performed using anesthesia. This means the patient is asleep during the procedure, which follows these steps:
- The patient is positioned on their side on the operating table.
- The surgeon makes a one- or two-inch incision on the side of the patient’s neck.
- Using tubular dilators, the surgeon separates the neck muscles and holds them aside to access the problematic spinal disc.
- If necessary, the surgeon performs a cervical laminectomy. This involves removing bone from the back of the vertebrae to access the spinal disc.
- The surgeon uses precise tools to cut apart and remove the spinal disc.
- The surgeon fills the gap and stabilizes the spine by performing a cervical disc replacement or a cervical spinal fusion.
- The surgeon closes the incision with stitches or staples.
Afterward, the patient is taken to a recovery room where they are monitored while waking up from anesthesia. Some patients can go home as soon as they are awake. Others spend a night at the hospital to make sure they are mobile and can manage their pain without IV pain medication.
Recovery and Outcomes
Once the patient is discharged, the surgeon provides instructions to recover at home. It is essential to follow their guidance as closely as possible to ensure a successful recovery. This includes:
- Keeping the incision site covered
- Changing dressings to keep the incision clean
- Sleeping on the back or side
- Limiting lifting and other strenuous activities
- Walking around to encourage blood flow
- Monitoring for signs of infection
Most patients can drive after a week or two. They can go back to sedentary jobs after about three weeks, though they should wait to resume active or hard labor jobs. The surgeon guides them through every stage of recovery to prevent complications and ensure a smooth return to everyday life.
Find Neck Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Florida
If neck pain is interfering with your quality of life, don’t delay relief. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, where we provide cutting-edge treatments like endoscopic cervical discectomy. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Discectomy
Am I a candidate for endoscopic cervical discectomy?
The NU-Spine surgeons perform careful evaluations to determine whether patients are good candidates for endoscopic surgical discectomy.
How long does the endoscopic cervical discectomy procedure usually take?
Endoscopic surgical discectomy takes one or two hours. The procedure may take longer if a disc replacement or spinal fusion is required.
When can I return to work after a cervical discectomy?
Most patients can go back to sedentary desk jobs after about three weeks. Going back to active jobs may take a few months.