If you have a herniated disc or other diagnosed spine condition and non-surgical treatments aren’t working, you may be a candidate for endoscopic discectomy.
To find out if you are a candidate for endoscopic discectomy, try our candidacy checker tool.
An endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes the damaged area of a spinal disc. A small incision is made to create a surgical port in which the entire process takes place. Because an endoscopic device (essentially a very small camera with a light) is used, surgeons can avoid any significant incisions and do not need to remove any anatomy to gain visual access to the damaged disc and remove portions that are pressing on the nearby nerves.
Patients who may need an endoscopic discectomy have been diagnosed with:
If you’ve been diagnosed with one of the conditions listed above, try our treatment checker to learn more about treatment options that may be right for you, like an endoscopic discectomy.
Endoscopic discectomy procedures are one of the most effective surgical treatments for spine patients. It is also one of the least invasive options because surgeons do not need to disrupt any muscle, bones, or other anatomy to gain access to the damaged disc, making it significantly less traumatic on your body than traditional spine surgery.
Endoscopic discectomy only removes the problematic areas of the disc, leaving the spine with its original mobility and function, but without the pain. With local anesthesia, less blood loss and trauma, and minimal scarring, an endoscopic discectomy is the modern choice for disc-related issues.
After an Endoscopic Discectomy surgery, you can expect some pain and discomfort, especially at the incision site. Immediately following the surgery, you will need to be careful of the stress you put on your spine. If you lift heavy objects on a daily basis, or other activities that can be strenuous on the back, you will need to modify your activity. Most individuals can resume normal, everyday activities quickly.
To make recovery easier, your team at ISSI provides you with instructions on how to care for your surgical incision and what activities to limit while you heal after endoscopic spine surgery.
Q: Am I a candidate for an endoscopic discectomy?
A: As with most surgeries, if you are seeing significant results and success from non-surgical treatments, then surgical intervention may not be required at this time. However, individuals who have exhausted all conservative treatments with little to no results may be eligible candidates for an endoscopic discectomy pending further assessment of their specific spine condition.
Q: Do all herniated discs require endoscopic discectomy surgery?
A: No, not all herniated discs qualify for an endoscopic discectomy; if the herniation has leaked outside of the outer layer of the disc, a different surgical procedure is required. Our team of qualified spine experts can determine the right path for you.
Q: What are the benefits of an endoscopic discectomy over other spine surgeries?
A: An endoscopic discectomy is performed through a very small incision, which means less tissue damage, pain, and scarring for the patient. It also provides rapid recovery compared to other traditional methods, which results in a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to your regular activities. Additionally, this surgery does not require any implants in the body and has a low infection rate.
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