A good candidate for endoscopic spinal surgery should be one with neurological disorders, pains, or numbness related to the spine that cannot be handled by non-surgical treatment. Amongst different types of MIS, ESS is one which could be possibly used as an emerging treatment for chronic back pain and other symptoms of spinal ailments.
The spine doctor in Ranchi explains that the ESS surgery process involves making small incisions, as there is the use of an endoscope to view the surgical site. Actually, the endoscope is a small, light-headed camera in the end of a thin tube-like device where surgeons can see inside the spine and make any required repairs.
How Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery Performed?
Separation of muscle tissues via few small (less than 1 inch) incisions will be necessary to place the endoscope into the spine. An endoscope consists of a thin, tube-like device containing a light source and a resolution-level camera on the end.
This camera facilitates the procedure of performing surgery by showing the interior surgical area to the surgeon on a monitor.
When correcting spine disorders like evacuating a bone spur, repairing a herniated disc, or damaging the ligaments etc, images projected help the surgeon locate the damaged part more easily. Once all the treatment has been undertaken, the surgeon removes the instruments, closes the incision by suturing the wound.
Which Diseases Can Be Treated By Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
Many different spinal disorders can be treated using endoscopic spine surgery. Although endoscopic surgery can’t be used in every instance of spinal conditions, it is of great benefit to patients dealing with the following spinal issues.
Herniated Disc
The treatment of herniated discs that usually affect patients in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spines is endoscopic discectomy. The procedure aims at taking out part of the herniated disc in order to prevent pressure.
Synovial Cysts
These cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form around the facet joints of the spinal cord. They compress the neighboring nerves thus causing pain and other neurological problems. These cysts can be removed using endoscopic surgery.
Spinal Stenosis
This is a spinal disorder that compresses the neighbouring nerves. Consequently, it results in pain as well as discomfort. Endoscopic laminectomy and endoscopic foraminotomy are surgical procedures undertaken to decompact the spinal canal or nerve roots.
Discogenic Back Pain
This disorder occurs as a result of damage or degeneration of the intervertebral discs. Nonetheless, it can be treated using endoscopic procedures, including annuloplasty or discography.
Facet Joint Syndrome
This is an inflammatory disease that hurts the facet joints of the spine. However, it can be treated with interventions like radiofrequency ablation or endoscopic rhizotomy and may offer even long-lasting pain relief.
Spinal Deformities
Endoscopic procedures such as facet joint fusion or spinal instrumentation can also be applied in selected cases of spinal deformities, like kyphosis or scoliosis.
Vertebral Compression Fractures
In most cases, these spinal fractures are usually due to trauma or osteoporosis. The treatment of vertebral fractures involves endoscopic surgery, also known as kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, during which bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra in order to stabilise these vertebral fractures.
Additional spine conditions addressed using endoscopic surgery include sciatica, radiculopathy, and arthritis.
What Advantages Can Endoscopic Spine Surgery Provide?
Endoscopic spine surgery provides more advantages compared to conventional spine procedures despite it being a more invasive procedure. A patient who has undergone endoscopic spine surgery may benefit from the following:
- Less damage to the muscles since the cuts are smaller
- Less bleeding
- Faster recuperation
- Minimal amounts of scarring
- Less discomfort after the surgery
- Lower chances of infections
The best benefits of endoscopic spine surgery are reduced in-hospital stay and expedient recovery. Endoscopic surgery also boasts a very high success rate. Nonetheless, conditions such as trauma, scoliosis, malignancy, and instability of the spine do not respond well to endoscopic surgery.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery Vs Traditional Spine Surgery: Why See An Expert Spine Specialist
Spine surgery has come a long way, and its evolution is especially dramatic with the help of new technologies that provide for more minimally invasive procedures. There are two major kinds of spine surgery: endoscopic spine surgery and traditional spine surgery. Both were designed to eliminate pain and correct issues with the spine.
Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique whereby a small incision is made, enabling an endoscope-a small camera- to operate in that particular area. This provides less damage to tissues, a faster recovery time, and typically minimal scarring. Traditional spinal surgery requires more significant incisions and greater muscle dissection, leading to extended recovery periods and complications.
In spinal diseases, it is much better to consult with an expert spine specialist because they have been highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of complex conditions in the spine. Their expertise ensures a particular treatment option- that may be surgical or non-surgical selected in relation to the severity of the condition. A skilled specialist can determine whether endoscopic spine surgery would be appropriate for you, given your unique health needs and lifestyle.
Specialised spinal surgeons also provide proper post-operative care. They also offer personal rehabilitation plans to heal after the surgery completely. With their extensive knowledge, they can likely give you the best opportunity of success in treatment, help you get rid of pain, and restore your capability of moving about freely.
Conclusion: Whichever type of surgery you decide on, either an endoscopic one or a traditional one, make sure that a spine specialist is your company so that you are provided with the most suitable and effective healing for your spine.