What is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery represents a cutting-edge advancement in spinal health, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open spine surgery. Utilizing a specialized endoscope — a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and light — this technique allows surgeons to access the spine through small incisions. The camera transmits images to a monitor, guiding the surgeon in performing the procedure with precision and care. This results in a less invasive approach, reduced blood loss, and ultimately shorter patient recovery times.
Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
- Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions reduce tissue damage and blood loss.
- Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Patients typically experience less postoperative pain and discomfort.
- Faster Recovery: The minimally invasive nature of the procedure often results in quicker recovery times, allowing patients to return to their daily activities sooner.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Smaller incisions and reduced tissue disruption lead to a lower risk of infection and other complications.
- Less Scarring: Smaller incisions also mean less scarring, leading to better cosmetic outcomes.
- Precision and Accuracy: Using a camera allows for better visualization and precision during the procedure, resulting in more targeted and effective treatment.
- Versatility: Endoscopic spine surgery can be used to treat a wide range of spinal conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
Types of Endoscopic Spine Surgery We Offer
We are proud to offer a range of endoscopic spine surgeries tailored to meet the specific needs of our patients.
Discectomy
A discectomy is a procedure aimed at relieving pressure on spinal nerves caused by herniated discs. By removing a portion of the intervertebral disc that is pressing on the nerve, this surgery may significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
Laminotomy
Laminotomy involves the removal of a small portion of the lamina — the back part of the vertebra that covers your spinal canal. This procedure is typically performed to relieve pressure on the vertebral canal or nerves due to lumbar spinal stenosis or herniated discs.
Foraminotomy
Foraminotomy is a procedure that involves enlarging the openings in your vertebrae by removing bone around the neural foramen – the canal where nerve roots exit. This type of surgery may effectively treat conditions such as spinal stenosis, where the narrowing of these openings puts pressure on the nerves.
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)
LLIF is a type of spinal fusion surgery performed from the side of the body. It involves removing damaged disc material and replacing it with a bone graft in the space between two spinal vertebrae, which then fuse together. This approach can stabilize the spine and alleviate pain from conditions such as central and foraminal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
TLIF is another form of spinal fusion surgery that involves approaching the spine from the back. It is designed to remove a disc and fuse the adjacent vertebrae using a bone graft. This procedure is often recommended for treating degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniations, and other spinal disorders.
At Excel Health, our team of experienced surgeons is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care. We utilize the latest endoscopic spine surgery techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. If you are experiencing spinal issues and would like to explore your options, please contact us to learn how we can help you achieve a healthier, more active life.
