Do you need surgery for a back problem? That decision is easier to make with an experienced and compassionate professional in your corner. If you’re looking for a spine surgeon in New York who offers exceptional care, New York Spine Specialist can help.
If you’re among the estimated 16 million adults with chronic back pain, you’re likely eager to find a solution and restore your quality of life. Typically, back surgery is a last resort when conservative treatments aren’t effective. Still, it might be worth looking at endoscopic spine surgery, a minimally invasive spine surgery option that can make your experience less disruptive and get you on the road to recovery faster.
What Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
Surgeons use endoscopic spinal procedures daily now. The technology resolves issues with the upper (cervical), middle (thoracic), and lower (lumbar) spine, all without the surgeon have to make any large incisions. Instead, spine endoscopy makes a tiny incision (no larger than 8mm) and inserts an endoscopic camera.
Once the camera goes into the incision, it transmits images of the spine and the surrounding tissues. The surgeon can see the issues up close to decide upon the most effective way to reduce your back pain. It is also possible to use the camera’s images as a guide for small, precise instruments when the surgeon needs to operate on specific back-related problems.
The Success of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
According to the Journal of Clinical Medicine, endoscopic spine surgery boasts an excellent success rate. For example, around 95% of the patients who underwent an endoscopic discectomy for a herniated disc have reported good outcomes without complications. That’s why, in addition to discectomy procedures, endoscopic spine surgeons use this approach to treat the following:
- Bone spurs.
- Vertebral fractures.
- Thickened ligaments.
- Spinal stenosis.
- Degenerative disc conditions.
Surgery is often the best option for addressing lower back pain when pain management approaches like physical therapy, over-the-counter medication, or steroidal injections fail.
The Advantages of Endoscopic Spinal Procedures
Have you agreed to pursue surgery for your spinal issue? An endoscopic procedure offers countless advantages over traditional open surgery. The following are some top reasons people choose endoscopic surgeries for back pain:
- Shorter hospital stay. Sometimes, you can go home a few hours post-surgery.
- Shorter recovery. The Journal of Spine Surgery reports that almost 90% of patients go back to work within 10 days of this surgery.
- Less damage. Endoscopy doesn’t affect the surrounding muscle and spine as much as open surgery.
- Smaller incisions. Less blood loss and scarring is always better.
- Minimal infection risk. A World Neurosurgery study reports only 2.4% of endoscopic spine surgery patients developed infections, compared to 5.6% of open surgery cases.
- Reduced post-surgical pain for less reliance on narcotics. The International Journal of General Medicine reveals that fewer than 10% of patients need to use opioids after this type of surgery.
Overall, endoscopic spine surgery is one of the most effective spinal decompression techniques and produces excellent results. Still, it’s not right for everyone.
Find Out If You’re a Candidate for Endoscopic Spine Surgery
What is endoscopic spine surgery going to do for you? Can it cure your back pain? If you’re living with debilitating back pain that is interfering with life or notice other signs that you need a spine surgeon consultation, get in touch with Spine Specialist of New York.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection), and same-day appointments may be available. Your surgeon will discuss your best options, what to expect, and how a pain-free life might be possible for you. Schedule our endoscopic spine surgeons online or call us at (516) 355-0111!
Frequently Asked Questions
Your endoscopic spine surgeon will answer all your questions, such as the following common patient questions regarding the surgery:
Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery The Same as Laser Spine Surgery?
No. Endoscopic surgery uses an endoscopic camera to guide the surgeon’s hand or exploration. Laser spine surgery requires a larger incision and uses a tool – the laser – to remove bone or tissue.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
Typically, you can expect a full recovery from endoscopic spine surgery to take up to four to six weeks. Factors that affect your recovery time may include:
- Your overall health.
- The type of procedure.
- How well you follow aftercare instructions.
How Long Does an Endoscopic Spine Surgeon Take for This Surgery?
Most endoscopic spinal surgeries will take about two hours to complete. Many patients can go home on the same day.