Traditionally, spine surgery requires a lengthy recovery. However, with recent medical advances, spine procedures are becoming less and less invasive. For qualified patients, endoscopic lumbar discectomy can be done with a tiny incision and local anesthesia, allowing for a faster procedure and a shorter recovery.
NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is a state-of-the-art pain center offering a range of specialized treatment options at locations near you near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Learn more about this procedure with NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute.
Key Takeaways
- Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a tiny incision using a specialized camera called an endoscope.
- Endoscopic procedures offer advantages that include less pain, reduced blood loss, a faster recovery, lower complication risk, and a smaller scar.
- Good candidates for endoscopic discectomy are patients with single-level herniations, good bone health, and herniated fragments that are accessible via a working tube.
- NU-Spine surgeons work with patients to understand their goals and clarify imaging results to recommend the best treatment for their needs.
What Is Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy?
Endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive surgery used to treat a lumbar herniated disc. Similar to a traditional lumbar discectomy, the goal of the procedure is to remove part or all of a damaged disc. By removing disc material that is pressing against a nerve, the procedure effectively eliminates pain and nerve symptoms caused by disc herniation.
Endoscopic procedures use an endoscope. This is a tiny camera mounted on a long, slender tube with a light. When inserted through an incision, the camera gives surgeons a real-time video feed of what is happening inside the body. Endoscope use allows surgeons to work through a much smaller incision than is otherwise possible. While other surgeries require an incision that is several inches long, endoscopic lumbar discectomy can be performed through a one-centimeter opening.
What Are the Benefits of Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy?
Endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure. This means it uses advanced tools and techniques to minimize tissue damage around the surgical site. Reduced surgical trauma allows for several major benefits, including:
- Less post-operative pain
- Very little blood loss
- Faster recovery
- Smaller scar
Minimally invasive discectomy also does not always require general anesthesia. Rather than putting patients to sleep during the procedure, surgeons can numb the surgical site with local anesthesia. This keeps the patient awake and responsive during the procedure. Patients can react to new sensations, reducing the likelihood of accidental nerve damage caused by the surgery.
Determining Candidacy for Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
While endoscopic lumbar discectomy offers proven results with a shorter recovery, it isn’t recommended for everyone. NU-Spine surgeons follow a careful diagnostic process to evaluate the patient’s condition, understand their goals, and recommend the best treatment for their needs. A person is a good candidate for endoscopic lumbar discectomy if:
- They are experiencing nerve symptoms caused by a disc herniation.
- Symptoms do not get better with weeks of conservative care.
- Imaging results confirm a single-level herniation.
- The herniated fragment is reachable via a working tube.
- The spine is stable without any deformities or bone degradation.
Endoscopic lumbar discectomy is usually not recommended for multi-level herniations or complex cases. The working tube provides limited space, so it can’t access all parts of the spine. Discectomy also can’t address spinal instability alone. For patients with destabilized or arthritic vertebrae, lumbar spinal fusion may be a better option.
Find Expert Herniated Disc Treatments Near You
If you are struggling with disc pain, you may not need to go through a lengthy recovery to get relief. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We offer the cutting edge in minimally invasive procedures, including endoscopic lumbar discectomy, to help you find relief. We are at locations near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
How does endoscopic discectomy compare with traditional microdiscectomy?
Both endoscopic discectomy and traditional microdiscectomy use similar procedures for the same result. The main difference is the incision size. Endoscopic discectomy uses a slender camera scope, called an endoscope, to work through an incision about one centimeter long. Microdiscectomy uses a surgical microscope and requires a larger incision, usually between one and two inches long.
What are the chances that my herniated disc symptoms will come back?
While endoscopic discectomy provides fast relief, the pain can come back if disc material pushes through the weak spot a second time. The likelihood of this happening depends on a variety of factors, including the patient’s age, their level of physical activity, and whether they smoke.
When can endoscopic lumbar discectomy be done under local anesthesia?
Endoscopic lumbar discectomy can be done under local anesthesia when treating single-level herniations. When the patient is awake, they can report nerve sensations and reduce the risk of accidental injury. Local anesthesia is not recommended for procedures that require extensive bone work or treatment on multiple levels. It may also be avoided for patients who have anxiety about their procedures.