Treatments
Endoscopic Lumbar Spine Surgery
What is endoscopic spine surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery involves the use of a tiny incision less than 1cm in length, and visualisation of the spinal canal/vertebrae/nerves using a thin scope and a high definition large monitor screen in theatre, to access and treat symptomatic nerve compression issues affecting the spine. It can be carried out under general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anaesthetic.
Is this new?
The worldwide first case of endoscopic spine surgery was carried out in 1988, with each decade since then bringing improvements in the technology available to established endoscopic surgeons, improved teaching/training programmes available to consultants who wish to expand their knowledge and skill base, and improved outcomes in many cases available to patients needing to visit spinal surgeons due to symptomatic lumbar disc degeneration.
It is a new procedure to this island, with my own first cases done in 2015 and then a 6 year hiatus until I found a more reliable operating system and a more supportive endoscopic spine company (Joimax). I have already been impressed with the safety of this procedure and with the good outcomes achieved.
What are the advantages of this endoscopic option over “traditional” open surgeries?
- Smaller incision.
- No muscle cutting so much less/zero muscle back pain.
- Faster recovery after surgery.
- Reduced risk of infection.
