An In-Depth Overview of Endoscopic Spinal Surgery

spinal stenosis

Endoscopic Spinal Surgery is one of the most refined types of minimally invasive spinal surgeries that can be used to diagnose and treat spinal damage as well as spinal problems, such as spinal stenosis. Traditional spinal surgeries require long incisions, and the recovery periods are generally quite lengthy. This is what separates Endoscopic Spine Surgery from other major spine surgeries. Rather than recovering in months or even years in certain cases, patients get to recover within a few days after this surgery. Thus, undergoing this minimally invasive surgery gives patients the opportunity of experiencing minimal pain and returning to their regular activities within no time.

What is Endoscopic Spinal Surgery?

The medical-surgical procedure through which spinal injuries are cured is known as Endoscopic Spinal Surgery. If the spine of a patient has been damaged, then the damaged area of the spine is accessed by passing a minuscule video camera, known as an endoscope, through a small incision made in back. The video feed s obtained used by surgeons to assess the damage area and to determine a suitable remedy or treatment.

Some of the spinal conditions that can be treated with this surgery include:

- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Fractures
- Herniated Disc
- Infections
- Kyphosis
- Spinal Tumors
- Scoliosis

In comparison to open back surgery, there are three major benefits of undergoing this kind of back surgery:

- Since an endoscope is so compact sized, therefore, a very small incision is made in the back during this surgery.
- The muscles and tissues surrounding the incision do not need to be cut or torn.
- Due to the above two factors, the time required for recovery is a lot lesser (up to a couple of days).
- With all of these benefits combined, this surgery also tends to less painful as well.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Endoscopic Spinal Surgery?

People suffering from persisting pain or numbness in their back are ideal candidates, especially using medication and undergoing treatments did not relieve the pain. Not all patients, however, are ideal candidates for this kind of surgery. Therefore, before undergoing this surgery, patients must often undergo evaluation first. Treating back pain is not an easy task; therefore, surgeons, firstly, try to understand what might be causing the pain a patient's back when evaluating them. This helps them carry out the proper treatment and determine if a patient is an ideal candidate for this kind of surgery.

What is the Average Recovery Time After Endoscopic Spinal Surgery?

While it depends on the patients how quickly they might recover after this surgery, however, in comparison to open back surgery, they will recover a lot quicker. Usually, patients who have undergone this surgery are released from the hospital the same day. Also in most cases no complications arise after this surgery, and the surrounding tissues are never damaged. A brace does not always have to be worn in most cases, but some patients are recommended to wear a brace after the surgery.

Are there Any Risks Involved in Endoscopic Spinal Surgery?

While this kind of spinal surgery is highly effective and tends to be a lot safer than open spine surgery, however, there are still a few general risks involved in this surgical procedure. Some of the risks involved include:

- Blood loss
- Inimical reactions to the anesthetic
- Post-operative pneumonia
- Risk of pulmonary embolus due to blood clots formed in the legs
- Infection in the incision made during surgery

What are the Alternatives to Endoscopic Spinal Surgery?

While this kind of a spinal surgery itself is an alternative to open back surgery, however, patients who are not ideal candidates for this surgery can consider other alternatives. Some other alternatives include:

- Arthroscopic Spine Surgery
- Laser Spine Surgery

While patients can consider undergoing one of the above-mentioned surgeries if they cannot undergo Endoscopic Spine Surgery, however, they will have to undergo evaluation once again.

Conclusion

Overall, even though not every spinal condition can be treated with Endoscopic Spine Surgery and not everyone might be an ideal candidate to undergo this kind of a spinal surgery. However, one thing that is for certain is that Endoscopic Spinal Surgery is an ideal alternative to open back surgery and allows patients to recover a lot faster with minimal risks.