FAQ1: What is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
Spinal endoscopy is an ULTRA-minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat spinal conditions. It's the smallest spine surgery you can have! It involves the use of a small camera, called an endoscope, that is inserted through a tiny (8mm) incision to visualize and operate on the spine. This technique allows for precise treatment with less damage to surrounding tissues, resulting in quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
FAQ2: What conditions can be treated with endoscopic spine surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery can treat a variety of conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and certain types of spinal tumors. It is particularly effective for conditions causing nerve compression and chronic pain.
FAQ3: Who is a candidate for endoscopic spine surgery?
Candidates for endoscopic spine surgery are typically patients who have not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections. It is most suitable for those with specific spinal conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis. A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist is necessary to determine eligibility. With the rapid advancements of medical technology and super-specialized surgical training, endoscopic applications to the spine are rapidly increasing!
FAQ4: How does endoscopic spine surgery differ from traditional spine surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery uses a much smaller incision, causing less tissue damage and minimizing blood loss. It often leads to reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open spine surgery, which involves larger incisions and more extensive muscle dissection.
FAQ5: What are the benefits of endoscopic spine surgery?
The benefits include minimal scarring, lower risk of infection, reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. Many patients can return to their normal activities much sooner than they would after traditional spine surgery.
FAQ6: What are the risks associated with endoscopic spine surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, nerve injury, and incomplete resolution of symptoms. However, due to its minimally invasive nature, the risks are SIGNIFICANTLY lower compared to traditional spine surgery. We will always discuss the specific risks and benefits based on your individual condition.
FAQ7: How long does recovery take after endoscopic spine surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure and the patient's overall health. Most patients can walk and perform light activities the same day of surgery. Full recovery and return to normal activities typically occur within one day to one week, which is significantly shorter than traditional spine surgery recovery times.
FAQ8: Who can perform endoscopic spine surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery should be performed by specially trained spine surgeons, either orthopedic spine surgeons or neurosurgeons, who have expertise in minimally invasive techniques. It’s important to choose a surgeon with specific training and experience in endoscopic spine procedures. The Endoscopic Spine Institute of New York (ESINY) has the most experience under one roof in all of the United States.
FAQ9: What should I expect during the procedure?
Endoscopic spine surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision (8mm) and inserts the camera to visualize the spine and perform the necessary procedure. The surgery typically takes 45minutes-2 hours, and most patients can go home the same day!
FAQ10: What makes ESINY different?
The Endoscopic Spine Institute of New York (ESINY) is the only dedicated endoscopic spine institute in the United States. This makes it the highest volume endoscopic spine center with the most scientific and scholarly advancements in the Western Hemisphere. The Endoscopic Spine Institute of New York is constantly dedicating extra time to make spine surgery less scary for our patients.