What is full endoscopic spine surgery?

Endoscopic spine surgery is an ultra-minimally invasive surgical technique that is used to treat nerve compression caused by different pathologies, such as disc herniations and arthritis. The surgeon utilizes a small camera with specialized microsurgical instruments to target specific problem areas. The primary goal is to take the pressure off of the nerves, while doing the least amount of collateral damage to the surrounding structures, allowing one to heal and recover more quickly and efficiently.

What can it be used for?

The goals of traditional and endoscopic spine surgery remain the same and depend on the problem that is being treated.  Endoscopic spine surgery is simply a less disruptive way of addressing a problem and can be used to accomplish a variety of surgical goals such as taking pressure off of nerves , reducing pain from arthritic joints (radiofrequency ablation) and performing fusion procedures if necessary. 

Who is a candidate for endoscopic spine surgery?

Not every patient may necessarily be a candidate for this procedure, depending on several individualized factors. Of utmost importance is to relieve you of your symptoms in the safest, least invasive way possible. Dr. Shah may help determine if you may be a candidate for endoscopic spine surgery. It is useful to have copies of any spine imaging (MRI, XR) when determining if you are a candidate. Please bring any copies in a CD format to review with Dr. Shah at your office visit.

What is recovery like after an endoscopic spine procedure?

Recovery time after a full endoscopic spine surgery is generally faster than with an open/traditional spine surgery. The course of recovery, however, for each patient is different and each patient’s treatment protocol needs to be individualized.