Endoscopic Spine Surgery is a type of state-of-the-art surgery that uses small tubular system or micro incisions, assisted with an endoscope for visualization. This type of minimally invasive spine surgery effectively treats disc herniations, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, slipped vertebrates, spinal joint arthritis, and more. Using only local anesthesia, Endoscopic Spine Surgery provides patients with quicker recovery and less pain than traditional spine surgery.
The benefits of endoscopic spine surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery
Endoscopic procedures are considered a type of minimally invasive procedure, though not all minimally invasive procedures use an endoscope. Other minimally invasive procedures use direct visualization and magnification to view the organs and spine in order to treat a condition with minimal disruption to the body.
Minimally invasive procedures offer the following benefits over highly invasive open spine surgeries:
- No hospitalization — While highly invasive spine surgery requires hospitalization, minimally invasive surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures.
- Shorter rehabilitation — The recuperative period after a minimally invasive surgery is far shorter§ than that of an open spine operation.
- Greater range of mobility — Traditional open spine surgeries often use bone grafts and stabilizing hardware to limit mobility of a section of the spine. However, a minimally invasive spine procedure focuses on releasing neural compression while maintaining spinal flexibility.
An endoscopic procedure is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses a small endoscopic camera and video to perform the surgery. This instrument allows the surgeon to perform the surgery while viewing the procedure on a large monitor.
Endoscopic surgery can be used to treat several types of ailments throughout the body, though it is arguably most associated with minimally invasive spine surgery. While not all types of minimally invasive spine surgeries use endoscopic equipment, some use this type of technology to access the spine without needing a large incision in the neck or back.
Are all minimally invasive procedures endoscopic procedures?
Not all minimally invasive procedures use an endoscope. In fact, Austin Midtown Ambulatory Spinal Center uses methods of direct visualization and magnification to help treat the most common spine conditions, such as a herniated or bulging disc, spinal stenosis and arthritis of the spine.
There are many advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery over traditional surgical procedures, making minimally invasive spine surgery an alternative which many patients choose.
The main advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery include:
- Smaller incisions — Unlike traditional open spine surgeries, minimally invasive procedures can be performed without the need of a large incision. Often, an incision of about an inch in length is all that is needed.
- Faster recovery — Since a much smaller incision causes less trauma to the soft tissue and muscles surrounding the spine, patients can experience a shorter recovery period§ than patients who opt for traditional open spine surgery.
- Less scarring — A smaller incision means less scar tissue buildup.
- Fewer risks — With a smaller incision, there is a decreased chance of complications often associated with traditional procedures.
