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About Endoscopic Laser Spine Surgery

Endoscopic laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive method of performing spinal surgery. Endoscopic surgery typically requires an incision of less than 1 inch, meaning recovery is much faster.

  1. Endoscope

    • An endoscope is a thin tube with a tiny video camera on the end of it that the surgeon inserts through a small incision. The video camera projects images of the spine onto a video screen for the surgeon to see.

    Laser

    • A laser is a focused light beam that generates heat that the surgeon uses in place of scalpel (knife) to repair or remove tissue.

    Advantages

    • During traditional spinal surgery, the surgeon must cut muscles, but in endoscopic surgery, the surgeon need only separate the muscles to reach the affected area. This procedure minimizes injury to surrounding tissues, which means you experience less pain and scarring after surgery. Endoscopic surgery also requires less anesthesia, reducing the risks of anesthesia-related side effects.

    Recovery

    • According to Spine Universe, most people leave the hospital the same day as the surgery and return the next day for physical therapy and an exercise plan.

    Uses

    • According to the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, the uses of endoscopic laser spine surgery include herniated disc, bulging disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal arthritis and bone spurs, facet disease, pinched nerve, stenosis, scoliosis and fusion.

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