Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Dr. Rajinder Singh - Spine Surgeon in Ludhiana
Dr. Rajinder is the best spine surgeon in Ludhiana and Managing Director of Kalyan Hospital in Ludhiana, Punjab. He has been extensively trained in simple and every type of spine surgeries. He focuses on giving the best treatment to his patients so that it helps them to live a quality life. Well, if you are struggling to get spine surgery from the best surgeon then you must visit Dr. Rajinder once. Since, he is dedicated to his profession because he knows the value of your health, money, time, and life. Moreover, he has attended many national and international conferences in his life. He has also specialization in slip disk, low back & neck pain, arthritis of the spine, and cervical treatment.
EndoScopic Spine Surgery
An Endoscopic Spine Surgery in Ludhiana is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that utilizes advanced surgical instruments and magnifying systems to treat back pain and sciatica caused by disc herniations, stenosis, and spinal arthritis.
While the traditional back surgery, which is at times referred to as open spine surgery requires a surgeon to first cut the back muscle before corrections to the spine are made, the endoscopic spine surgery only requires a tiny incision to be made where an advanced surgical instrument is inserted to correct the spinal defect.
An endoscope is a tiny fiber-optic video camera utilized to view the inner parts and spine surgery endoscopes are specifically 5mm to 7mm in diameter.
A keyhole incision is made and an endoscope is introduced to remove disc material or bone spurs.
Advantages/Benefits of an Endoscopic Spine Surgery
In the current generation, an Endoscopic Spine Surgery is believed to be a minimally invasive surgery, safe and effective as compared to the open spine surgery. Various reasons may render you to opt for Endoscopic spine surgery as below;
- Minimal scarring since a tiny incision is made
- Minimal to no blood loss
- Minimal tissue damage
- Fewer chances of postoperative infection
- Less downtime
- Minimal pain
Choosing an Endoscopic spine surgeon
Matters relating to endoscopic spine surgeries are very delicate and so is one’s candidacy. The Endoscopic spine surgery cost in India shouldn’t be the fundamental influence for the surgery, but one ought to attain the basic examination and evaluation from an experienced spine surgeon.
Another consideration is the fact that not all spine surgeries are conducted endoscopically.
The Endoscopic Discectomy of the Lumbar and Cervical Spine ‘Surgery’
An ‘Endoscopic Discectomy’ is an advanced form of an endoscopic spinal surgery. Literally, it is a minimally invasive surgery where the herniated disc material is removed. When inflamed, the herniated disc material causes pain in the cervical, lumbar, and the thoracic (mid back).
This surgical approach doesn’t require a surgeon to remove bones and muscles in order to eliminate herniated discs. With that, it is an effective treatment approach for patients with spinal disc herniation.
The endoscopic approach only requires a camera to visualize the spine and tiny incisions
A Precise Endoscopic Discectomy Procedure
STEP 1- In the operating room, intravenous sedation is administered and a small metal tube is introduced into the spine for visualization.
The herniated disc, bulging disc, and the annular tear will be observed through the tube.
STEP 2- Under the guidance of the x-ray fluoroscopy, the herniated disc will be removed using a grasper. In case required, the bulging disc and the annular tear are treated with a laser.
STEP 3- Once the procedure is done, the tube is removed and the incisions stitched.
Conditions Treated Through an Endoscopic Discectomy Surgery
- Herniated Disc
- Disc Bulge
- Disc Tear
- Radiculitis
- Radiculopathy
- Cervical Disc Tear
- Cervical Herniated Disc
- Brachial Neuritis
- Cervical Disc Bulge
Benefits of Undergoing an Endoscopic Discectomy
- Short recovery
- Minimal trauma
- Safe & Effective
- The mobility of the spine is preserved
- Minimal bleeding
The Endoscopic Foraminotomy of the Lumbar and Cervical Spine
The Endoscopic Foraminotomy is a minimally invasive procedure conducted to relieve pressure to the spinal nerve roots. This pressure is commonly imposed by bone spurs, disc herniations, scar tissue, and ligaments.
Before an Endoscopic Foraminotomy, conservative treatment approaches are utilized. In case they fail to offer the desired goals, diagnostic procedures together with pain mapping techniques are used to understand the surgical requirements.
How the Endoscopic Foraminotomy Surgery is actually performed
STEP 1- The procedure begins with anaesthesia administration after which a metal tube is introduced into the body to observe the neuroforamen.
All surgical tools used during the procedure are passed through this tube in order to prevent muscle damage.
STEP 2- Under direct visualization, the unwanted ligament growth, bone spurs, the protruding discs, the scars, and the damaged lumbar facet are removed using specialized instruments. Surgical approaches like tools, laser, or radiofrequency are utilized to widen the nerve hole and release the compressed nerves.
STEP 3- At last, the tube is removed and the incisions stitched.
Conditions Treated Through an Endoscopic Foraminotomy Surgery
- Spinal slippage (spondylolisthesis)
- Spinal instability
- Spinal stenosis
- Foraminal narrowing (foraminal stenosis)
- Bulging disc / Disc herniation
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Cervical spinal nerves strained by bone spurs and disc herniations
- Cervical spine degenerative disease with spinal nerve compression
Benefits of this Specialized Surgical Approach
The benefits are similar to those of any other endoscopic surgery and some include; a less downtime, minimal trauma, less bleeding, and efficacy.
The Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy
The Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy is a surgical approach conducted to deaden the affected nerves that can trigger chronic back pain as well as neck pain. This minimally invasive surgical approach is conducted under the guidance of an endoscope. The results are minimal trauma, minor bleeding, and efficacy.
How is it conducted?
At Kalyan Hospital, an Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy is professionally performed by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon. The entire procedure can precisely be detailed as below;
- Local anaesthesia is administered and in case required, alongside intravenous sedation.
- The intended skin regions are identified using fluoroscopic guidance, after which incisions are made.
- A small tube is then introduced through the incision and an endoscope is attached to it. With this, the surgeon is able to visualize the medial branch.
- The next step involves utilizing a laser to deaden the nerve branches (medial branch). These nerves only offer sensory function.
- At last, the tube is removed and the incisions are closed. Once a patient wakes up, he or she is advised to walk around.
Orthopaedic Cases Treated with an Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy
They can be categorized under Lumbar Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy and Cervical Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy
Cervical Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy
Facet joint arthritis
Chronic neck pain
Facet hypertrophy
Failed back surgery syndrome
Whiplash syndromes
Lumbar Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy
Chronic low back pain
Facet hypertrophy
Failed back surgery syndrome
Whiplash syndromes
Facet joint injuries
Facet joint arthritis
Why an Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy
Minimal bleeding
Short downtime
Efficacy
Preservation of spinal mobility
The Endoscopic Lumbar Laminotomy
Currently, patients with spinal stenosis are treated with the help of an Endoscopic Lumbar Laminotomy. The Endoscopic Lumbar Laminotomy is probably the least minimally invasive spine surgery with greater efficacy.
During the Endoscopic Lumbar Laminotomy procedure ‘laminectomy’, the surgeon will remove part of the lamina, bone spurs, the fatty ligaments, and the herniated disc materials in case required.
The Lamina & Its Removal
The lamina is a very thin layer of material and it is part of the bony arch of the vertebra. Its major job is to protect the spinal cord from damage.
As we age, the risk of spinal degeneration and spinal stenosis increase. The Spinal stenosis condition is the narrowing of the spinal canal and this can put pressure on the spinal nerves. This can trigger back pain that extends down to the lower leg and obviously a reduced quality of life.
To correct the condition and eliminate the associated symptoms, an Endoscopic Lumbar Laminotomy is performed
How is an Endoscopic Lumbar Laminotomy performed?
- Bone Spurs
- Spinal Stenosis
- Herniated Discs
- Facet Joint Disease
- Minimal bleeding
- Effective
- Short recovery among others
Frequently Ask Questions
What exactly is endoscopic spine surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery is a technique that uses a small camera called an endoscope and specialised instruments to treat conditions like herniated or bulging discs, disc tears, radiculopathy, cervical disc bulge, and more. It causes less tissue damage, less blood loss and lower infection risk as compared to open surgery.
Does endoscopic spine surgery cause pain during the process?
Generally, endoscopic spine surgery does not cause pain during the process. It is because of many reasons, such as it is performed under anaesthesia, the process causes less tissue and muscle damage, which results in less postoperative pain and faster recovery as compared to traditional open surgery.
What is the total cost of the surgery?
The average cost of endoscopic spine surgery in India begins from 2 lakhs and goes beyond, depending on different factors like surgeon expertise, implant type, city of the treatment, pre-operative care, and more. If you want to know the process in detail with pricing, consult the best surgeon in Ludhiana through our website.
What are the chances of successful surgery?
Generally, endoscopic spine surgery is highly effective with a success rate of 80-95%. People often consider this surgery a time-consuming process to heal. But in reality, endoscopic spine surgery is one of the latest technologies that offer minimally invasive treatment methods, which let you recover even faster and reduce pain.
Who should go for endoscopic spine surgery?
People with severe back or leg pain often caused by a herniated disc, or patients who are less responsive to treatments like injections or physical therapies should go for endoscopic spine surgery. Yet, it is always recommended to evaluate your issue with an expert spine surgeon in Ludhiana to have a better understanding of your condition as well as the right treatment.
How is endoscopic spine surgery beneficial compared to open spine surgery?
Well, endoscopic spine surgery is known for minimal tissue damage, minimal or no blood loss, tiny scarring since a tiny incision is made, fewer chances of postoperative infection, less downtime and overall less pain. Hence, it is the most preferred and safest option for many patients.
How much time will the surgery take to complete?
The total time of the surgery will depend on multiple factors, such as the seriousness of the problem, the location within the spine, the method of the surgery, the expertise of your surgeon, the number of procedures conducted before the surgery, and more. Generally, it takes an hour or more.
How much time is required to recover?
Although the recovery of endoscopic spine surgery is considered to be faster than that of open spine surgery, it still depends on your health and procedure; the full recovery will take around two to six weeks or can be even more. Additionally, it is recommended to take the advice of the surgeon before rejoining school, college or the workplace.
Can I get physical therapy after the surgery?
Yes, physical therapy is beneficial for you because it will strengthen your muscles. Yet, the best time to go for a physical surgery after the surgery should be discussed with your surgeon because, for each individual situation, recommendations can differ. Hence, an expert surgeon will help you to work with a professional and personalised route designed for you.
What are the recommendations to follow post-surgery?
It is advisable for patients to avoid heavy lifting and bending for a few weeks. Don’t scratch the incision and apply only the healing cream suggested by the surgeon. Try walking several times a day to avoid stiffness and avoid driving. It is important to follow the instructions of an experienced doctor for post-care so that you can access proper care.
