Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses an endoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light at the end, to perform spine surgery through small incisions. This approach is designed to minimize damage to surrounding tissues, reduce blood loss, and shorten recovery times for patients. Endoscopic spine surgery can be used to treat various conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and some spinal tumors.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision near the affected area of the spine and inserts the endoscope. The camera on the endoscope transmits real-time images of the surgical site to a monitor, providing the surgeon with a clear view of the spine and surrounding structures. Specialized surgical instruments can be inserted through the endoscope or additional small incisions to perform the necessary surgical tasks, such as removing damaged tissue or decompressing nerves.

Endoscopic spine surgery offers several advantages over traditional open spine surgery, including smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, reduced risk of infection, and a quicker recovery period. Patients often experience less postoperative pain and can return to normal activities sooner. However, this technique requires specialized training and equipment, and not all patients or conditions are suitable for endoscopic spine surgery. A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist is essential to determine the best treatment approach for each individual case.