Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery refers to a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat a variety of spine conditions including chronic low back pain, bulging discs, and herniated discs. This surgical procedure involves the use of a micro-sized incision and an endoscope to observe the surgical area and make any necessary repairs. An endoscope refers to a narrow tube attached to a tiny camera, inserted through the incision into the spine to allow the surgeon to observe and carry out the surgery accurately. This minimally invasive procedure helps to reduce the risk associated with open spine surgeries such as lengthy recovery time and further damage to surrounding tissues.
What’s the Conditions for Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
A spinal specialist may recommend endoscopic spine surgery to a patient with severe symptoms resulting from spinal nerve compression. Endoscopic spine surgery may also prove helpful to relieve symptoms in conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Back spasms and chronic low back pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Myelopathy
- Radiculopathy
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
How do Surgeons carry out Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
A neurosurgeon will typically begin an endoscopic spine surgery by making a microincision over the skin of the problematic spinal area. The surgeon will then clear a path between the surrounding muscles and blood vessels for the endoscope to pass through and get to the spine. The endoscopic camera which provides clear images through a large monitor will allow the surgeon to observe the spine before making any repairs. The surgeon will make use of specialized instruments which can pass through the endoscope to remove any problematic bone spurs or herniated discs and provide relief to the patient. After completing the procedure, the surgeon will take out the endoscope and the surgical instruments before closing the incision with sutures. The surgeon may recommend steroid injections to reduce post-operative inflammation and pain. Patients usually undergo close monitoring and observation after the procedure to check for complications before getting discharged.
What’s the Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
Due to its minimally invasive nature, endoscopic spine surgery allows surgeons to accurately carry out spinal procedures thereby increasing the success rates of these procedures. The benefits of endoscopic spine surgery may include:
- The faster recovery time for patients
- Lower risk of infection and surrounding tissue damage
- Minimal postoperative pain and scarring
- Lower risk of complications associated with general anesthesia due to the use of conscious sedation
- Minimal loss of blood
- Reduced risk of failed back surgery syndrome
What’s the Possible Risks and Complications Associated with Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
Similar to every other surgical procedure, endoscopic spine surgeries may occur with some risks and complications. Possible complications associated with endoscopic spine surgery may include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage at the site of the incision.
References
Perez-Cruet, MJ; Balabhadra, RSV; Samartzis, D; Kim, DH (2004). “Historical background of minimally invasive spine surgery”. In Kim, Daniel H.; Fessler, Richard G.; Regan, John J. (eds.). Endoscopic spine surgery and instrumentation. New York: Thieme. pp. 3–18.
Banczerowski, P; Czigléczki, G; Papp, Z; Veres, R; Rappaport, HZ; Vajda, J (January 2015). “Minimally invasive spine surgery: systematic review”. Neurosurgical Review. 38 (1): 11–26, discussion 26.
Shweikeh, Faris; Amadio, Jordan P.; Arnell, Monica; Barnard, Zachary R.; Kim, Terrence T.; Johnson, J. Patrick; Drazin, Doniel (2014-03-01). “Robotics and the spine: a review of current and ongoing applications”. Neurosurgical Focus. 36 (3): E10.
Quirno, M; Vira, S; Errico, TJ (March 2016). “Current Evidence of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniations”. Bulletin of the Hospital for Joint Disease (2013). 74 (1): 88–97.
Snyder, LA; O’Toole, J; Eichholz, KM; Perez-Cruet, MJ; Fessler, R (2014). “The technological development of minimally invasive spine surgery”. BioMed Research International. 2014: 293582.