Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery offers a minimally invasive alternative for herniated discs and lumbar spinal stenosis. Using a tiny 7–8 mm incision, this advanced procedure reduces injury to surrounding tissues, shortens recovery time, and helps patients return to normal activities faster compared to traditional spine surgery.

What Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

In standard spine surgery, the surgeon makes a relatively large incision over the lumbar spine and cuts through surrounding tissue to reach and remove the portion of the disc compressing the nerve. Sometimes, the incision must be enlarged for better visibility during surgery, resulting in an average wound length of 4–10 centimeters.

In contrast, endoscopic spine surgery requires only a small incision of 8 millimeters to 1 centimeter, allowing the insertion of a small endoscope. The endoscope’s lens is positioned at its tip, functioning as the surgeon’s “eye” inside the patient’s body. This provides a clear, magnified view of the affected area on a surgical monitor, enabling precise treatment. The endoscope can be maneuvered by hand, allowing the surgeon to adjust the viewing angle as needed and insert specialized instruments through the endoscope to remove only the problematic tissue, preserving healthy structures.

Conditions Suitable for Endoscopic Spine Surgery

1. Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP): Often caused by heavy lifting, strenuous activity, or accidents. Symptoms include lower back pain and radiating leg pain on one side.
2. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS): Caused by narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to nerve compression. Symptoms include lower back pain and leg pain that worsen when walking, improving only with rest. In advanced stages, pain occurs more frequently and after shorter walking distances.

Advantages

• Lower risk of infection
• Minimal damage to healthy surrounding tissues
• Less postoperative wound pain
• Faster recovery—patients can usually return home within 1–2 days after surgery

Treatable Spine Conditions

• Herniated Disc: Occurs when the shock-absorbing disc between vertebrae degenerates and loses elasticity, causing it to bulge or rupture and press on nearby nerves.
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Often age-related, caused by thickening of vertebrae and surrounding ligaments, narrowing the spinal canal and compressing nerves.

For more information Orthopedic Center Bangkok Hospital Pattaya Tel. 0-3825-9999