Endoscopic spine surgery, a minimally invasive procedure using specialized instruments and a tiny incision, may be performed for degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.. Dr. Andrew K. Simpson, an experienced endoscopic spine surgery doctor and recognized Dallas endoscopic spine surgeon, provides personalized nonsurgical and surgical treatment for a wide range of spinal disorders and spinal conditions in Dallas. He also offers specialized aftercare for endoscopic spine surgery patients to promote spinal health and spinal mobility. Contact Dr. Simpson for an appointment today.
What is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive spine surgery that uses specialized video cameras and instruments, including an endoscope, to remove the herniated disc material or arthritis causing nerve compression through very small incisions, less than an inch, unlike traditional open surgery.
Indications of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery is considered a last resort for treating spinal conditions in the neck and back when conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and medication, have failed to improve your symptoms. It is considered to treat various spinal disorders and conditions, including:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated discs, which often cause nerve pressure and pain in the lower back and neck pain
- Sciatica, a condition characterized by nerve pain radiating down the leg due to spinal nerve irritation
Pre-procedure Preparation for Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Before the endoscopic spine surgery procedure, your spine specialist may advise you to stop smoking and to exercise regularly to improve your recovery rate and overall spinal health. Any non-essential or herbal medications that increase surgical risk, such as those affecting blood clotting or increasing infection risks, should be discontinued before surgery. Before your surgery, you can ask your Dallas endoscopic spine specialist any questions that you may have regarding the minimally invasive techniques, general anesthesia, and potential risks.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery Procedure
Endoscopic spine procedures are performed using a tool called an endoscope, a thin tube with a tiny video camera on the end of it. The camera displays the images of the inside of the body onto the television screens, helping your doctor view the operating site with laser precision. During the procedure,fluoroscopes (X-ray machines) are used to provide the best views of your spine, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues. The endoscope is inserted through a small incision, often less than a few hours in duration, and guided to the affected area. The approach is through your back, chest, or abdomen to gain access to the spine. Your Dallas endoscopic spine doctor uses X-rays and the camera to find the fragments causing nerve compression, and specialized instruments to remove the herniated disc material or other problematic tissues. The incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape, resulting in less pain and minimal disruption to spinal health.
Post-procedure Protocol
With endoscopic spine surgery, you will usually return home the same day after surgery, as this minimally invasive procedure is often performed as an outpatient surgery allowing for faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are recommended to mobilize the spine, improve spinal mobility, and loosen the muscles to support long-term spinal health. To avoid strain injury and tissue damage, you may be instructed to avoid bending, lifting, and twisting for the first 2 to 4 weeks.
Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Traditional open surgery typically requires a larger incision, muscle stripping, longer hospitalization, and increased recovery time. The advantages of endoscopic procedures when compared to the traditional procedures include the following benefits for many patients suffering from chronic back pain and other spinal issues:
- Small incision and minimal scar tissue formation
- Less blood loss
- Less damage to the surrounding tissues
- Faster recovery
- Quick return to normal activities
- Decreased hospital stay
- Less postoperative pain
- Reduced risk of infection
- Improved function
Risks and Complications of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Like any type of surgery, including minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, there are certain risks associated with endoscopic spine surgery, such as:
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Blood loss
- Infections
- Nerve injury
- Need for additional surgeries
- Pain
- Breakage or dislodgement of instruments or irritation of the soft tissues
