Endoscopic Spine Surgery Overview
Endoscopic spine surgery is the least invasive spine procedure we know of used to treat herniated, protruded, extruded, bulging discs and disc tears that compress or irritate the spinal nerves, causing back or leg pain. Patients suffering from painful spinal conditions should consider all less invasive options like pain management and endoscopic procedures before ever considering traditional, open, or minimally invasive spine techniques including laminectomy, microdiscectomy, or spinal fusion.
Proper diagnosis in addition to therapeutic and diagnostic injections is essential for the endoscopic spine specialist to pinpoint the cause of the pain and selectively address the painful condition without causing the patient significant post-operative pain or recovery. With a precise indication, proper diagnosis, and good training, endoscopic spine surgery has proven clinically to be equal in results to open and minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS). However equal in results to relieving pain for spinal conditions, endoscopic patients recover faster, have generally less need for narcotic medications, and return to work sooner than MIS surgical patients.
Endoscopic spine surgery can play an important role in the treatment of adolescent disc herniations especially for active and athletic persons who engage in competitive sports where less tissue trauma and early functional recovery are desirable. Athletic and physically active patients should consider an expert second opinion from an experienced endoscopic spine surgeon before ever considering a spine fusion surgery.
Endoscopic spine surgery is one of the most innovative surgical techniques to evolve over the last fifteen years. This new procedure allows the spine surgeon to use an endoscope and HD camera during the procedure through a 1/2 inch incision, to identify the pain generator that is the root cause of back and leg pain. The spine specialist can use many micro-instruments such as a laser or radiofrequency ablation tool to selectively decompress or ablate the source of pain.
Our talented spine surgeon, Dr. Rodriguez has taken time outside his busy schedule to travel and train with some of the most innovative leaders in endoscopic spine surgery. At the International Spine Institute of Baton Rouge, we are proud to now offer the most innovative and least invasive spine procedures that address everyday painful conditions that patients suffer from, and are now able to offer long-term solutions.
The Advantages of Endoscopic Spine Surgery vs. Traditional & Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery:
There are many advantages to considering endoscopic spine surgery. Minimally invasive spine surgery is a good option for many patients to consider after exhausting all endoscopic spine surgery options. The goal of endoscopic spine surgery is to relieve pain, avoid spinal fusion, and preserve the patient’s spinal anatomy to minimize future surgical need.
- Utilizes an HD camera coupled to an endoscope which provides the spine surgeon a superior view to that of traditional surgical techniques
- Less than a 1/2 inch incision minimizes potential skin scarring
- No muscle or tissue tearing thus less scar tissue and preserve spinal mobility
- Conscious sedation reduces the risk associated with general anesthesia
- Less post-operative pain and need for narcotic medicines
- Less recovery time needed
- Return to work sooner – as early as one week (under some restriction for lifting and certain physical activities)
What Types of Conditions does Endoscopic Spine Surgery Treat?
There are many spinal conditions that a patient suffering in pain may suffer from. The following are the most common problems seen in a spine surgeon’s office. Endoscopic spine surgery allows our surgeon to selectively pinpoint and address the following spinal conditions with the least amount of impact on the patient’s muscles and spinal elements during surgery.
- Arthritis and Bone Spurs of the Spine
- Bulging Disc
- Discogenic Back Pain
- Herniated Disc
- Failed Back Surgery
- Foraminal Stenosis (Narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Sciatica
- Radiculitis or Radiculopathy
- Chronic Facet Disease (Back spasms and pain when leaning back)
Types of Endoscopic Spine Procedures
Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy – Endoscopic Discectomy is one of the least invasive procedures offered that relieves pain from herniated bulging, protruded, and extruded disc.
Endoscopic Foraminoplasty – is one of the least invasive procedures used to relieve pressure on the exiting nerve or spinal cord, caused by a herniated disc, bone spurs, and scar tissue.
Endoscopic Rhizotomy – is a least invasive procedure done outpatient to help patients suffering from chronic back pain and muscle spasms.
Cervical Endoscopic Rhizotomy – is a least invasive surgery that allows direct visualization of the painful nerves in the facet joints of your neck. This minor surgery may even spare or delay significant spinal fusion surgery.
Interlaminer Endoscopic Discectomy – is the least invasive procedure offered that relieves pain from herniated bulging, protruded, and extruded disc. A similar approach to the traditional microdiscectomy, that uses an incision less than ½ inch. This causes less pain and scarring while still providing excellent visualization for the surgeon.
