Endoscopic Discectomy
What is Endoscopic Discectomy?
Endoscopic discectomy is a common, minimally invasive option over traditional surgery for lumbar discectomy and often shows up in patients suffering from a herniated disc that experience leg and lumbar pain. But, the choice between receiving an open surgical procedure and an endoscopic discectomy primarily depends on the overall condition of the patient as well as the surgeon’s preference.
- Joint Injections
- Knee Injections
- Shoulder Injections
- Hip Injections
- Prolotherapy
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
Botox Injections
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Percutaneous Disc Decompression
- Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty (IDET)
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Medical Orthotics
- Medication Management
- Chronic Opioid Therapy
The Procedure
The surgery itself is done through a trocar (small tube), which is inserted into the patient’s skin and down towards the disc. The primary objective of surgery is to eliminate the herniated disc that’s applying undue pressure on the patient’s spinal nerves in order to relieve their leg and lower back pain.
The surgeon can view a magnified image of the whole working area through a monitor along with the aid of an endoscope that’s inserted via the trocar during the procedure. One end of the endoscope has a small camera and light that facilitates a good visual of the work area and helps the surgeon to accurately remove any damaged tissue. Furthermore, the entire process is done with fluoroscopic guidance that further helps in seeing and locating the herniated disc throughout the surgery, which leads to better results. This specific procedure has a much shorter time for recovery since the muscles are retracted rather than cut.
How Endoscopic Discectomy is Performed
The patient lies on the operating table face down and is then given a mild sedative in order to help them relax during the procedure. Next, a tiny incision is made on the patient’s skin over their back, just above their disc area. The surgeon then inserts a thin wire through the incision just far enough until it reaches the damaged section of their spine under the guidance of fluoroscopy. A tube is then carefully inserted into the same incision right over the guidewire. Unique micro-surgical instruments along with the endoscope are placed in the tube and the part of the herniated disc that’s compressing the nerves is then removed. Both the intra-operative fluoroscopy and endoscope help guide the surgeon during the procedure. Afterwards, the endoscope and tube are subsequently withdrawn when the surgeon is finished and the incision is then closed.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Usually, the patient is discharged on the same day as the surgery. The majority of patients feel a substantial reduction in both their leg and back pain following the procedure. The tingling and numbness sensations, however, may take a bit of time to completely resolve. The patients are informed not to lift, twist, or bend for a couple of weeks following the surgery.
Dr. V. K. Puppala is located in Atlanta, GA. He’s known for treating all his patients with great compassion and respect and is genuinely concerned about their overall well-being. Dr. V. K. Puppala takes a unique approach to pain management by incorporating a variety of minimally invasive techniques in order to achieve the best results for his patients. Call 770-627-7246 or 770-MAP-PAIN today to set up an initial appointment.
