Why Endoscopic Surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery is a revolutionary procedure for spine problems by reducing the trauma of surgery. The endoscope avoids the dissection, separation and disconnection of the spinal muscles performed in open surgery and focuses only on the spine problem. Only a very small incision (about 7-8 millimeters, or the width of your pinky fingernail) is needed to introduce the endoscope, through the spinal muscles, and down directly onto the spine or spinal disc.
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Open Spine Surgery Vs. Minimally Invasive Surgery vs. endoscopic surgery
Although many surgeons promote “minimally invasive surgeries”, there is a difference between minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures. Minimally invasive surgery is an umbrella term that includes tubular-retractor systems as well as endoscopic procedures. Endoscopic spine surgery is different from open spine surgery in several ways:
- Tubular retractor minimally invasive surgeries are open spine surgeries. The light source and visualization is from the back of the tube which requires a larger diameter tube – because the surgeon must see around the tools. Additionally, muscle and bone must be removed, since visualization is linear. In other words, to enter the spinal canal, bone must be removed. A larger diameter tube is associated with more muscle compression and ischemia, which is the loss of blood flow and leads to more tissue injury. This has been confirmed in studies that investigated the degree of muscle breakdown after endoscopic and open procedures, demonstrating that there was less muscle breakdown in the endoscopic procedures
- An endoscope uses light and visualization at the front of the tube, allowing a smaller tube. The endoscopic lens is a prism of 15 rule-out 30 degrees, meaning that the surgeon can look around corners. The benefit is that little or no bone is removed during even complex surgeries – which preserves the structure and mobility of the spine better.
- Endoscopic surgery washes out your incision using a continuous flow of IV-fluid during the procedure. This technique keeps circulating air out of your incision – minimizing blood loss and infections.
- However, as a caveat, not all surgeries can be done with endoscopic techniques, and minimally invasive tubular based retractors are valuable for other types of surgery.
Advantages Of Endoscopic Surgery Over Traditional Open Spine Surgery
Minimal Tissue Damage
Endoscopic surgery uses a small incision (typically 7-8 millimeters), reducing muscle and tissue disruption compared to the larger incisions required in open surgery. This leads to less post-operative pain and faster recovery times.
Advantages Of Endoscopic Surgery Over Traditional Open Spine Surgery
Reduced Risk of Complications
The smaller incision size and less invasive approach of endoscopic surgery result in a lower risk of infection, blood loss, and other complications. Studies have shown that endoscopic procedures have a lower complication rate compared to open surgeries.
Advantages Of Endoscopic Surgery Over Traditional Open Spine Surgery
Quicker Recovery and Shorter Hospital Stays
Patients undergoing endoscopic spine surgery often experience quicker recovery times and can typically return to normal activities sooner than those who undergo open surgery. Most endoscopic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for extended hospital stays.
Advantages Of Endoscopic Surgery Over Traditional Open Spine Surgery
Less Pain and Scar Formation
Endoscopic surgery results in less postoperative pain and minimal scar formation, which is beneficial both cosmetically and functionally. Approximately 98% of Dr. Mahan’s patient’s do not require narcotics after endoscopic spine surgery, if they were not on narcotic medications prior to surgery.
Endoscopic Spine
Endoscopic Surgery Is Ideal For Removing Compression
Endoscopic surgery is particularly effective for treating conditions like herniated discs and certain types of spinal stenosis. It allows for precise targeting and removal of problematic tissue without the extensive tissue damage associated with open surgery. Dr. Mahan has utilized endoscopic techniques for removal of spinal tumors compressing the spinal cord and non-tumor masses such as synovial cysts.
Endoscopic techniques can also, in select cases, be utilized for assisting lumbar fusion surgeries, often in conjunction with percutaneous instrumentation techniques -that minimize muscle injury. However, in certain cases, more extensive surgery is necessary. In these cases, Dr. Mahan tries to find the least invasive option possible – knowing that the less the injury the surgery causes, the better the outcomes tend to be.
Endoscopic Spine
Not All Endoscopic Surgeries Are The Same
However, it is important to note that endoscopic spine surgery requires specialized skills and equipment, and not all spine conditions are suitable for this approach. Complex conditions such as severe spinal instability or scoliosis may still benefit from traditional open surgery. Moreover, while many spine surgeons have become interested in utilizing endoscopic techniques to improve patient outcomes, the vast majority of spine surgeons do not have similar experience and expertise in endoscopic surgery as Dr. Mahan. There are only a handful of surgeons in the US with this level of skill and years of success.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Spine Conditions
01.
Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
Minimally invasive surgery to remove herniated disc material pressing on spinal nerves, helping relieve leg pain and restore mobility with less tissue disruption.
02.
Endoscopic Lumbar Stenosis – Decompression
Minimally invasive surgery that relieves pressure on spinal nerves caused by narrowing in the lower back—helping patients walk farther and live pain-free sooner.
03.
Endoscopic Lumbar Fusion
A small-incision technique that stabilizes the spine by fusing vertebrae with precision and less disruption, restoring strength and motion more quickly.
04.
Endoscopic Cervical Disc Herniation
Removes herniated disc fragments in the neck through a tiny incision, easing arm pain and restoring comfort with minimal downtime.
05.
Endoscopic Cervical Stenosis – Decompression
Relieves spinal cord compression in the neck using a keyhole-sized approach, reducing pain and improving coordination while preserving stability.
06.
Endoscopic Thoracic Disc Herniation
Targets herniated discs in the mid-back through a minimally invasive endoscopic technique to relieve nerve pressure and restore mobility.
07.
Endoscopic Spinal Tumor Resection
A precise, minimally invasive method for removing spinal tumors, reducing recovery time and allowing patients to begin further treatment sooner.
Professional care
Expert, minimally invasive spine care led by Dr. Mahan, combining advanced surgical precision and compassion for every patient.
Personalized treatment
Tailored endoscopic solutions designed by Dr. Mahan to meet each patient’s unique goals and ensure confident, lasting recovery.
