What is Spinal Endoscopy?
Spinal endoscopy is one of the techniques used within the interventions called minimally invasive surgery. This method allows surgeons to operate on herniated discs, spinal stenosis and other pathologies with the use of a thin tube in which a small camera and optical instruments are incorporated, allowing minimal incisions to be made to carry out the operations. Thanks to the connection of the endoscope camera with high-resolution monitors, surgeons have a detailed view of the area being operated on, allowing them to perform detailed operations with minimal incisions and discomfort for the patient. Currently, the use of this technique is becoming increasingly widespread in disc operations, spinal stenosis and other pathologies.
This surgery is usually performed in patients suffering from herniated discs or lumbar canal stenosis.
Why is it performed?
This surgery is usually performed on patients who suffer from herniated discs or lumbar canal stenosis. In addition, they are usually patients who have undergone lumbar spine surgery and it has not been effective. In some cases, although the patients have not undergone surgery previously, the traditional treatments they have undergone have not been effective, so they have to resort to this type of operation.
What does it consist of?
The surgery consists of introducing an endoscope through the coccyx, which allows live images of the inside of the spinal canal to be seen. This is done through a 15-millimeter incision and introducing a light to obtain a high-resolution image of the damaged areas of the spine. The main purpose of the operation is to attempt to remove some of the scar tissue from the trapped nerves. In addition, thanks to this procedure, medications can be introduced more directly, being able to better reach the areas affected by pain.
Preparation for spinal endoscopy
The patient is usually admitted to the hospital in the morning and during the same morning the intervention takes place. The next day the patient can go home with a lumbar support and return after two weeks to remove the two or three stitches made by the incision.
Care after the operation
Recovery is faster than with traditional surgery. The patient can lead a normal life almost as soon as he/she leaves the hospital. There are always limitations that may cause discomfort, so it is not recommended to perform sports activities, such as aggressive exercises. After a month or a month and a half, it is possible to return to daily life and exercise.
Alternatives to this treatment
Spinal endoscopy is one of the most advanced surgeries today. It is one of the techniques used within the interventions called minimally invasive surgery. Another alternative technique to this treatment would be open spinal surgery. The advantages offered by spinal endoscopy over open spinal surgery are several, among them, the risk of injury is lower, since the precision when the incision is made is greater. In addition, there is less bleeding and less aggression to the musculature, so the patient’s recovery is much faster. For more information, you can consult a specialist in Neurosurgery.