Advanced endoscopy of the spine with or without laser is a new surgical technique that allows operating on pathologies of the back through minimally invasive procedures.
The procedure
It consists of making an incision of less than 2 millimetres that allows the spinal canal to be explored. To do this, an endoscopic camera is used with a channelled optical mechanism connected to a high definition television screen.
This system manages to introduce light and obtain a vision with a high-resolution image of the damaged areas of the spine, visualizing the intervertebral disc and nerve roots with millimetre sharpness.
Through the optical channel, the different forceps and surgical instruments necessary for the treatment of the different pathologies are used.
What advantages does advanced endoscopic spine surgery have?
-It is a minimally invasive surgery that only requires a small 2-millimetre incision without leaving a scar.
-It allows us to expand and magnify the field of work.
-Relief from sciatic and lower back pain is immediate.
-The risk of injury, bleeding and damage to the muscles is lower, thus reducing postoperative risks.
-Hospitalisation is not required and is performed under local anaesthesia.
-The duration is approximately 20 minutes per disc.
-Recovery time is reduced, allowing faster incorporation to normal and work activities of the patient. The return to normal life occurs 24 hours after the intervention and, it is possible, to carry out a rehabilitation-only 15 days after the intervention.
-Postoperative ingestion of drugs decreases, and even disappears in some cases.
When is endoscopic surgery indicated?
This type of surgery is indicated in cases of herniated discs and lumbar canal stenosis.
Herniated discs
Herniated discs can occur in the cervical spine, but also in the lumbar spine.
Cervical disc herniation is the displacement of the soft centre of the intervertebral disc outwards due to the rupture of the fibrous ring, which can press on a nerve root or the medullary canal. We speak of this pathology when the affected area is in the region of the neck of the spine between the third (C3) and the seventh cervical vertebra (C7).
Lumbar disc herniation is the rupture of an intervertebral disc located in the lumbar region of the spine between the first (L1) and the fifth (L5) vertebra. When the ring breaks, there is a displacement of the soft centre of the intervertebral disc towards the outside, which may compress some nerve roots and cause intense pain.
Lumbar canal stenosis
Lumbar canal stenosis is a pathology that occurs when the space that surrounds the spinal cord (spinal canal) is reduced. This causes the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots to pinch and can cause pain, numbness, or loss of strength in the legs.
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At Harley Street Hospital, we are experts in endoscopic spine surgery since our team is highly qualified. Book an appointment to get a checkup.
What is advanced endoscopy of the spine?
Advanced endoscopy of the spine with or without laser is a new surgical technique that allows operating on pathologies of the back through minimally invasive procedures.
When is endoscopic surgery indicated?
This type of surgery is indicated in cases of herniated discs and lumbar canal stenosis.
What advantages does advanced spine surgery have?
It is a minimally invasive surgery, it allows us to expand and magnify the field of work, relief from sciatic and lower back pain is immediate, the risk of injury, bleeding and damage to the muscles is lower, and hospitalisation is not required.