Endoscopic Spinal Surgery

Patients complaining about severe pain running down from spine to arm or leg and did not get any relief even after 6 weeks of medication are diagnosed to be suffering from Herniated disk. A ruptured disk on the spine usually is the cause for a pinched nerve. There are patients who feel they cannot walk small distances as their legs go ‘dead’. They feel more comfortable sitting or leaning forward. They complain of severe pain, numbness, bowel and bladder problem and partial paralytic condition. This happens because of Degeneration and Arthritis of the spine. The thickening of the bone and vertebrae narrows down the spinal canal through which the nerves are rested. Naturally, the nerves are damaged and all kinds of complication arise. This condition is called Spinal Stenosis.

There are different conditions of spinal deformities like curvature of spine (Scoliosis); hump back (Kyphosis); fractures or tumors.

The Surgical remedy

Significant progress has been made in surgical techniques to bring relief to patients suffering from spinal disorders. The surgeon creates several tiny incisions, through which he inserts an Endoscope – a thin-lighted tube attached with a camera, in addition to special small instruments that includes a laser. This tube is also connected to a close circuit monitor, which enables the surgeon see the exact extent of damage. Surgical instruments are also entered through the incisions and the surgery is performed.

This method has been proved to be the safest, most successful and cost effective. The patient can go back home within 24 hrs.

Some other surgeries

People suffering from chronic back pain or low back pain can also get relief through a surgery called 'Epiduroscopy'. In this technique, a Fibre Optic scope is used by inserting it to evaluate the scar tissue, which is then moved away from the nerve roots that were being disturbed.

Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) is a technique where controlled heat is applied to the affected disc wall. The basic aim is to desensitize the pain sensors within the disc, reduce the bulge of inner disc walls and repair any cracks therein. This form of surgery is limited to bring relief only affected disk material.

How to prepare for the surgery

The evaluation of a person calls for thorough investigation by the surgeon that includes previous history sheet review and physical examination. Certain additional tests are also carried out like X-ray, MRI Scan, CAT Scan, Bone Scan, Discography.

Recovery

The recovery of a patient after endoscopic back surgery varies in most cases. There are certain cases where the patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day after surgery, whereas in some other cases it might take a longer time to recover. However, it is a proven fact that recovery time for patient undergoing endoscopic back surgery is much less as compared to the conventional open surgery, which might require months or even a whole year to recover.