Epiduroscopy is a medical procedure introduced about 30 years ago to treat awkward situations where soft tissue material has leaked out from the disc and wrapped itself around the nerves. The pain and discomfort a patient experiences when suffering from this problem are caused by the resulting severe inflammation and nerve damage.

As a surgical procedure Spinal Epiduroscopy involves the introduction of a small camera into the opening in the base of the spine. This is a safe and efficient procedure performed under sedation that presents low risk to a patient since it exploits natural openings in the body. Only a small percutaneous incision is therefore necessary.

How Spinal Epiduroscopy helps

At the Harley Street spine unit, Epiduroscopy is mainly used to correct the problem of disc material extrusion. This condition is usually resistant to corticosteroid injections, which, when injected into the outermost of the membranes covering the spinal cord and nerve roots, is usually quite effective at reducing inflammation and acute pain.

The insertion allows our surgeons to see the nerves, disc fragments and soft matter materials more clearly. These can then be easily separated using endoscopic instruments and then broken up by laser treatment, or physically removed.

Before undergoing a Spinal Epiduroscopy a patient’s medical history and experience will be thoroughly examined to ensure the right treatment package is administered. Because the procedure requires only a small cut to the skin patients tend to recover more quickly than the precursor to Spinal Epiduroscopy, which involved open surgery and the stripping away of muscle and bone to access the spinal cord.

The London Spine Unit is home to the world’s best medical facilities and specialist doctors in the treatment of all types of spine problems. Our team consists of specialists in all aspects of diagnostics, assessment and treatment, from pain management to holistic treatments to reconstructive surgery. We are able diagnose and treat spine problems quickly and with impressive outcomes for our patients, who come to us from all over the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe and the USA. This has placed us at the forefront of being able to offer the most comprehensive assessment for neck and back pain found anywhere in the world. Our aim is to make the most accurate diagnosis of any condition affecting the spine and then to offer the least invasive treatment possible for all patients.