What is endoscopic discectomy?
What is a discectomy?
A discectomy is surgery in which either all or part of the discs that lie between the backbones (vertebrae) are removed. The discs are sponge-like material that serve as a cushion between the backbones. Over time, the material that makes up the discs can become damaged. Sometimes, portions of the disc material protrude out from the backbone, irritating nerves that lead to the arms or legs.
Symptoms from damaged discs may include pain in the back, arms, or legs; or other signs of nerve irritation such as numbness, tingling or weakness.
Removing all or part of a damaged disc – discectomy – can, in certain cases, improve a patient’s symptoms. Discectomy is a fairly common type of spine surgery, but it is not appropriate for everyone with a disc problem.
What is an endoscopic discectomy?
Endoscopic discectomy is a way to perform discectomy surgery in very select cases. It is a type of "minimally invasive" surgery. Instead of cutting through sensitive body structures to physically access the disc, the surgeon uses a “scope,” a small tube with a light and lens attached, to see and remove the damaged disc material under direct visualization using tiny instruments. The scope can be inserted through a very small incision - less than 1 cm, or the diameter of a dime.
The camera and X-ray machine allow the surgeon to directly see the disc herniation and remove it.
The surgery is done in an operating room, but the patient is awake during the procedure. Sedatives are given as needed to help the patient relax. The patient goes home the same day.
What are the advantages of endoscopic discectomy?
Patients having endoscopic discectomy have little-to-no recovery time, as there is no standard "surgical" incision. They avoid the risks and discomforts associated with general anesthesia, as only mild sedation is required.
Am I a candidate?
Presently, only select patients (about 30 percent of patients undergoing discectomy) are candidates for endoscopic disc surgery. It depends on the location and nature of their disc problems. As the technology supporting this procedure develops, new instruments may be devised that will make this surgery appropriate for more people.
Your surgeon can explain more about endoscopic discectomy and whether it may be right for you.
