Procedure for Spinal Endoscopic Surgery

What is Slip Disc or Herniated Disc

Spine disc is the soft spongy cartilage found between the two vertebrae which help in absorbing shock and act as a cushion to sustain the weight of the upper body. Sometimes, the outer disc gets worn out or there is a tear, in this case the soft inner nucleus gel bulges or herniates to the outer disc surface. When this displaced tissue protrudes out and presses against the spinal nerve, then it causes excruciating spine pain in the patient. This condition is called prolapsed disc or herniated disc.

Surgical Procedure to Treat Herniated Disc

The herniated disc is treated by two methods:

1. Spinal decompression
2. Spinal fusion

Spinal Decompression Technique?

Spinal decompression is the technique of relieving the pressure from the spinal nerve. The spinal decompression technique used to treat the herniated disc is called the discectomy. This herniated disc surgery is an open procedure wherein sections of the damaged disc which presses against the spinal nerve are removed.

What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Sometimes after a decompression surgery or due to wear and tear, the movement of the spine becomes unstable. This is corrected by a procedure called spinal fusion. In this procedure, the space between the two vertebrae is fused together either by bone grafting or special instruments. 

Can Herniated Disc be Treated by Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Yes, herniated disc can be treated using the endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery. Both the decompression and the spinal fusion techniques are carried out with this method. The minimally invasive spine surgery is carried out with the help of lasers, endoscopes and tubes and it has many advantages over the traditional open spine surgery.

What is the Minimally Invasive Procedure for Treating Herniated Disc?

The laparoscopic spine surgery used for minimally invasive procedure for treating herniated disc is called Microdiscectomy. This is carried out with the help of endoscopes. Here the vertebra is accessed through a series of tubes. A fluoroscope is a specially designed X-ray machine used to guide the tubes to the correct damaged part. A tubular retractor is used in place of the tubes to adjust the position. The spinal canal is accessed through special surgical instruments and the soft tissues and bone are moved apart. A nerve retractor is used to separate the nerve from the damaged disc. The herniated disc portion is removed and cleaned up. At the same time instruments are used to fuse together the vertebrae under the guidance of cameras. Thus the minimally invasive spinal fusion is also achieved. The nerve is returned back to its normal position and all the retractors are pulled back in the final stage. The incision area is stitched up and covered.   

Advantages of Endoscopic Discectomy And Spinal Fusion

The minimally invasive endoscopic discectomy and spinal fusion has many advantages, some of the major ones are:

1. Since only a small incision is required, the blood loss is reduced during the surgical procedure.
2. The post-operative recovery time is fast
3. The procedure can be carried out at an outpatient facility
4. The post-operative pain is less due to the small incision.
5. The chances of infection are reduced
6. Low surgical complications
7. The patient is able to resume the daily activities sooner than in open surgery