Primitively, all of the spinal surgeries which were performed, were open spinal surgeries. Which involved direct handling, reconstruction, and replacement techniques to treat a herniated spinal disc or spinal stenosis. Fortunately, there has been an evolution in performing spine surgeries. In ancient times, the anatomical location of spinal pathologies was encountered by making long incisions, extensive tissue dissection, and at times, bone removal process, which indeed questioned the safety, effectiveness, and success ratio of spinal surgeries.
In Recent times, endoscopic spine surgery has answered most of the patient’s safety concerns. In this blog, one can learn how endoscopic spine surgery is the most refined procedure to address majority of spinal problems. But first,
What is Spinal Stenosis?
It occurs in the spinal column, where the spinal cord, nerve roots, and vertebrae are located. As we age, the spinal canal becomes constricted or narrowed, causing heaviness or tingling sensation in your legs. It typically presents as reduce walking distance. The patient has to sit down after walking a particular distance.
What is Slipped Disc?
Slipped disc is common in aged people but can also occur among adults in today’s scenario. In lay man’s term Disc is a shock-absorber between two vertebral bones. Overuse or improper use may result in rupture of the outer layer of disc and displacement of the ruptured fragment, in short, slipped disc. This migrated disc can either cause reduced spinal canal diameter, i.e. Spinal stenosis or compress a spinal nerve, i.e. Sciatica. Slipped disc is often associated with weakness, numbness, or paraesthesia in the legs.
Majority of the slip disc patients do not need Surgery and are treated via conservative measures like medicines and physio. Only few non-responders need surgical treatment.
What is the procedure for Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
Making a small incision, the surgeon uses instruments to remove degenerative and extruded portions of the disc nucleus and remove the pressure from the disc. This is done, by inserting the endoscope in the affected region of the spine, and through the camera of the scope the, the surgeon can have a look at the interiors of the spine in the screen placed in-front of the surgeon. It is a procedure, which is done under local anaesthesia & conscious sedation. The patient post-surgery, can be mobilised on the same day itself. The stay of the patient in the hospital varies from 2-3 days depending upon the recovery. It’s a “Targeted Fragmentectomy” meaning only the diseased portion of the Disc is removed and normal ligaments, muscles, vertebrae are unaffected, hence recovery is very fast compared to open or microscopic decompression. Ideally suited for people willing to resume their work early. The procedure is quite enduring for Elderly and diabetic patients which are otherwise at risk to undergo Open spine procedures. It is bloodless surgery ,which means there isn’t a need for blood transfusion.
Since no bones or tissues are removed or cut, apart from the herniated disc, the patient heals quickly with a minimal scar on their body as the incision of the scope on the back is around 8 to 10 mm. Some physiotherapy is recommended to the patients to perform for a set duration, to speed up the healing process and allowing to body to come into motion pain-free.
Why choose Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
When it comes to the treatment for back among older people, age becomes the prime concern. Most of the older patients are suffering from certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a heart condition. Undergoing an open-back surgery increases the risk of causing infection, blood loss, life-threatening complications, or frequent follow-ups.
Since, its often seen in today’s time that even young adults are suffering from herniated disc, its recommended to undergo endoscopic procedure, if surgery is suggested by surgeon due lesser exposure of the tissues and for cosmetic reasons.
Thus, surgeons suggest endoscopic spine surgery in Pune to minimize the risks or complications for patients of all age.
What are the advantages of Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
- Less blood loss due to minimal invasion
- Reduced risk of spinal infection
- Less consumption of antibiotics and prescribed medicines
- Less post-operative scar tissue formation
- Quick healing
- Patient return to normal activities within a few weeks
- The safest approach as far as neurological injuries are concerned
Saishree Hospital is well-known for performing safe, effective, and affordable endoscopic spine surgery in Pune. We ensure the patients are comfortable on the operating bed and get back to their healthy lifestyle as soon as possible. To learn more about our spinal treatments and orthopaedic surgeons, you can visit our website or make a call.