A minimally invasive endoscopic surgery known as an endoscopic microdiscectomy allows direct visualization of the disc and its nerve roots, which is used to decompress nerve roots that have been compressed by a compressed spinal disc. Patients with a herniated or compressed lumbar disc who do not benefit from pain management injections or conservative treatment are usually recommended to undergo this procedure. Alternatively, the pain after a pain management injection returns rapidly and it becomes intolerable.
There are many patients who suffer from sciatica, referred pain down either leg, and/or low back pain who may benefit from this procedure. It is also effective for treating low back arthritis and spinal stenosis pain.
How does a minimally invasive endoscopic microdiscectomy work?
A minimally invasive endoscopic procedure known as an endoscopic microdiscectomy allows direct visualization of the disc and the nerves. This is used to decompress damaged nerve roots caused by compressed spinal discs. The procedure is usually indicated for people with a herniated or compressed lumbar disc, for whom pain management injections and conservative treatment have failed to provide adequate pain relief.
This procedure may be beneficial for patients suffering from sciatica, referred pain down either leg, and/or low back pain. It can also alleviate pain associated with spinal stenosis and low back arthritis.
A microdiscectomy performed endoscopically has several benefits
- Surgery with minimally invasive techniques – less trauma to muscles and soft tissues
- Getting back to normal quickly
- A minimal amount of pain or discomfort may result from the surgery
- Leg pain is usually relieved immediately in most cases
- Open spine surgery is riskier and has more complications
- The scar is minimal and the incision is small
- Therapy with high success rates and sustained success
- Loss of blood is minimal or nonexistent
- Anesthesia with local anesthetics
- Control of treatment by visual endoscopic means
- Mobility and hardware placement are not affected
Microdiscectomy: What are the indications?
- A herniated disc that is causing pain in the back or legs, or neurological symptoms
- Insufficient long-term relief from more conservative treatments, including pain management injections
- An imaging study or diagnostic procedure reveals a high suspicion of discogenic cause