In treating spine conditions, endoscopic spine surgery has been a cutting-edge surgical invention in the medical field. Unlike traditional surgeries, this is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed through a small incision in the spine. Endoscopic spine surgery, also known as ESS an more advanced form of minimally invasive spine surgery developed to provide patients with a faster recovery period and enable them to avoid recurring pain. It uses a small tubular system with a camera or an endoscope to visualise inside the spine, allowing the surgeon to see inside the spine and perform the surgery with a micro incision and make any repair.
Also Read: Top Spine Surgeons in Siliguri for Neck, Back & Spine Disorders
Why This Guide?
This blog will reflect on the complete procedures of an endoscopic spine surgery, including the recovery timeline, post-operative risks, benefits of this surgery and results. This will help patients understand what to expect during, before and after surgery, along with lifestyle habits that can influence the surgery and real-life expectations.
About Dr Mayukh Guha
Dr Mayukh Guha is a renowned and the first National Board-certified consultant spine surgeon in Siliguri and North Bengal with extensive experience in advanced spine surgery. He is profoundly trained in spine surgeries, providing efficient care to the people. After completing his MBBS from Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata, he has done his MS in Orthopaedics from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdurganj Hospital in Delhi with a gold medal. He holds a fellowship in Endoscopic spine surgery from South Korea and has proficient experience in advanced spine surgery.
How is Endoscopic Spine Surgery Performed?
Endoscopic spine surgery is referred to as a type of minimally invasive surgery that is performed using an endoscope. An endoscope is equipped with a high-resolution camera and lightsource at the end of a 7mm tube providing clear picture of inside the spine. The surgery is done by doing minimal incision approximately 8mm in size by the surgeon. This procides small pathway for the endoscope to get to the spine, and the images are projected onto a monitor, allowing the surgeon to navigate the problem in the spine and remove it. The instruments are removed after the surgery, and the incision is closed with sutures.
Conditions Treated
A minimally invasive procedure, endoscopic spine surgery, is performed to treat various spine conditions, and some of the major ones are:
- Herniated Disc: This condition involves the spinal disc’s soft centre pushing outward and bulging, leading to back pain, radiating numbness and weakness due to nerve compression.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: This disease involves the spinal discs losing hydration, elasticity, structural, nutritional and molecular changes, reducing their ability to cushion or vertebrate.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve root tunnels and puts pressure on the important spinal nerves. It occurs in the neck area, causing cervical stenosis, in the lower back area, causing lumbar stenosis and in the middle to upper back area, causing thoracic stenosis.
- Facet Joints: It involves degenerative fluid-filled sacs or synovial cysts resulting from arthritic facet joints in the spine, causing pain, sciatica and numbness or weakness due to nerve compression.
Difference Between Traditional Spine Surgery and Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Unlike traditional or open spine surgery, patients experience less pain, fewer complications and recover faster after endoscopic spine surgery. However, it is not a solution for all kinds of spine conditions. There are key differences in both the surgery such as:
Incision Size
- In an open spine surgery, the incision is comparatively larger, which is 2 to 6 inches extra, depending on the areas that are being treated.
- In endoscopic spine surgery, the incision is usually made less than 1inch, due to which it is also known as a minimally invasive procedure.
Muscle and Tissue Damage
- In open spine surgery, more muscle and tissue are damaged and cut.
- In endoscopic surgery, there is minimal damage to the tissues with micro-cuts.
Hospital Stay
- In open spine surgery, patients may require a hospital stay for 3 to 5 days.
- In endoscopic spine surgery, outpatient procedures are performed, and the patient can return home within same day of the procedure.
Recovery Period
- In open spine surgery full recovery timeline can range from several weeks to months.
- In endoscopic spine surgery, many patients can resume their daily activities within a few days or weeks.
Pain and Scarring
- In open spine surgery, patients can experience more painful and bigger scars.
- In endoscopic spine surgery, pain is less and cuts are smaller with fewer scars.
Infection Risk
- In open spine surgery, the chance of infection and postoperative complications is higher.
- In endoscopic surgery, small cuts heal more quickly, and the chance of infection and complications is reduced.
Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Endoscopic Spine Surgery has grown popular due to its many advantages, especially for people who are afraid of long procedures with risk and lengthy recovery time. The benefits include
- Less Blood Loss: Micro incisions and limited tissue cutting reduce the blood loss.
- Reduced Infection Risk: Smaller cuts reduce exposure to bacteria and the risk of infection
Week-by-Week Recovery Timeline
Most people choose this surgery because of minimal downtime, faster recovery and reduced complications. Here is a complete guide to gradual recovery after endoscopic spine surgery:
- Preserving Spinal Stability: Unlike open surgery, this surgery preserves the natural structure of the bone
- Faster Healing: Patients can go back to normal work and daily life within a few days.
- Fewer Scarring: The incisions are so small that it heals without visible marks.
- Outpatient Procedure: Patients no longer require long hospital stays, which is especially helpful for working professionals
Week 1: Initial Healing Period
- Some mild discomfort that is normal and manageable with medications
- Refrain from heavy lifting, bending and twisting
- Take short walks to improve circulation and prevent stiffness, as per the surgeon's advice
- Maintain cleanliness around the surgical site.
Week 2-4: Gradual Progress
- Pain level reduces significantly as healing improves
- You can return to normal activities; most patients do within 2-3 weeks
- You can begin some light stretching and physical therapy, recommended by the doctor
- You can gradually increase daily activities, but still need to avoid high-impact activities
Week 6 and After
- You can restart light exercises with minimal restrictions
- Strength-building exercises according to medical guidance
- Follow-ups with the surgeon to ensure proper healing and long-term success
What Results Can You Expect?
The patient can experience results like:
- Minimal pain, unlike open surgery
- Short hospital stays and faster recovery
- Some mild pain around the incision site
- Early mobility and resuming normal activities
- Minimal Scarring with Smaller Incision
Here is what you can expect from an Endoscopic Spine Surgery:
Before Surgery
- Comprehensive evaluation using MRI and X-rays
- Transparent discussion of the procedure
- Tailored Treatment Plan
During Surgery
- Light Sedation and local anaesthesia
- Small incisions
- Upgraded tools, including laser and radiofrequency energy
- Quick procedure
After Surgery
- Observation for 1-2 hrs
- Same-day discharge
- Home care instructions and follow-up schedules
Risks and Limitations
Along with benefits, ESS has some common risks, such as :
- Infection: Although the chance of infection is low in ESS, there is a possibility.
- Bleeding: ESS involves the use of instruments to stop bleeding, and a small risk of bleeding is associated with this procedure.
- Nerve Damage: Though lower, there is a risk of nerve damage due to the surgery.
Best practices for endoscopic spine surgery recovery
- Follow the doctor’s instructions on post-operative care, medications and activity limitations
- Stay active but refrain from overdoing, walking helps prevent stiffness
- Eat a nutritious and healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins and mineral thathelp in tissue repair
- Refrain from smoking and alcohol, as it can slower healing process
Final Remarks
Endoscopic spine surgery, or ESS, provides faster healing and less painful recovery, unlike traditional open spine surgery. But post-operative care plays a crucial role in how fast you can heal. Following doctors’ guidelines, staying active, eating and resting well, and practising health habits can ensure a smooth recovery, allowing patients to return to normal activities. You can consult an efficient endoscopic spine surgeon to achieve an effective solution for your spinal conditions.
