At ESINY, we place emphasis on the use of advanced endoscopic techniques so that every spine surgery can be completed with accuracy and with the minimum amount of disruption to surrounding tissues. Through this focused approach, we strive to help you experience a faster recovery, regain physical strength, and step back into the full and vibrant lifestyle you deserve to lead.
Finally, The Relief You've Been Waiting For.
Endoscopic spine surgery represents one of the most transformative advancements in spinal care and is steadily shaping the way the medical community manages back problems with greater safety and efficiency. At the Endoscopic Spine Institute of New York, our goal is to completely reimagine what surgery looks like by placing emphasis on patient safety, using small and precise incisions, encouraging a faster return to daily activities, and empowering those who trust us with their care to achieve lasting improvements. With neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons who bring extensive expertise and leadership to this evolving field, and with our standing as the only Endoscopic Spine Institute across the United States, we remain focused on giving patients the chance to reclaim a higher quality of life.
Through an incision that measures less than one centimetre and the use of a camera that is no larger than the end of a pencil eraser, our team can perform advanced endoscopic procedures with excellent precision and very minimal invasiveness.
Your Precise, Powerful Solution From The Spine Experts
When it comes to receiving care for your spine, it is essential that you rely only on those physicians who have achieved the pinnacle of medical excellence. At the Endoscopic Spine Institute of New York, our elite team of award-winning neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons has devoted decades to the meticulous advancement of endoscopic spine surgery, blending artistry with science in their approach. Their professional record includes delivering lectures and showcasing innovative procedures at over 500 international medical conferences, with appearances at world-renowned gatherings such as the North American Spine Society and the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. In parallel with these speaking engagements, their scholarly output is impressive, with more than 300 peer-reviewed publications in highly respected medical journals. Further elevating their prestige, they hold the title of Honorary Members within the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgeons. With this extensive background of accomplishment and global recognition, your treatment rests in the capable hands of physicians who bring together precision, innovation, and an extraordinary depth of expertise.
Fewer Risks, Faster Recovery
When compared to the older open surgical approaches, endoscopic spine surgery demonstrates clear advantages. These include fewer risks, a dramatic reduction in bleeding, incision lengths that often measure less than a single centimetre, fewer potential complications, and a much quicker recovery process that is often accelerated by several weeks.
Go Home the Same Day with Only a Band-Aid
An impressive ninety-five percent of patients leave the facility on the same day they are treated, already able to take part in light activity. Instead of bulky bandages, the area is simply protected with a small ESINY band-aid. Hospitalisation overnight is unnecessary, and patients do not experience the drawn-out recovery periods typical of more invasive surgery.
Skip General Anesthesia
The procedure is also patient-friendly because it generally uses local anaesthesia and mild sedation to ensure comfort. Although general anaesthesia is still available and can be used when needed, most patients discover that such measures are not required.
A Solution For Every Stage
No matter what stage you find yourself in, endoscopic spine treatment can serve as the right path toward relief, whether you are exploring options for the first time, reconsidering surgery after an earlier procedure, or trying to move beyond injections that no longer provide adequate results. To date, more than 30,000 patients have regained mobility and quality of life through this innovative treatment.
The Go-To For Other Spine Doctors
The confidence in our care extends deeply into the medical profession itself, as more than 40 spine surgeons have personally chosen our team for their own treatments. This level of trust reinforces our standing as the practice that surgeons turn to, often honored as the surgeon’s surgeon.
What We Treat
Meet Your Team
At ESINY, what sets us apart in the field of endoscopic spine care is the depth of knowledge and record of achievement brought forward by our award-winning physicians. Every treatment offered is developed with the singular purpose of reaching the true origin of your discomfort, allowing for greater long-term improvement, substantially fewer risks, and a healing timeline that surpasses what is typically seen with older surgical techniques or reliance on injections. With a philosophy that emphasizes innovation, accuracy, and effectiveness, our care is fully centered on helping patients experience life with reduced pain and restored function.
What To Expect
At the time of your consultation, our focus is on gaining a complete picture of your situation by discussing your symptoms and considering any treatment options you may have already attempted. If you are considered a good candidate, we will provide a detailed explanation of the procedure so that you feel fully informed and confident about the process.
Currently, endoscopic spine treatment stands as the most minimally invasive surgical option that still involves an incision. Due to its advanced nature, recovery is often significantly faster compared with traditional surgical approaches, and patients usually face fewer risks and complications. In the majority of cases, a local anesthetic is all that is required, and patients are able to return home safely on the same day.
After your procedure is complete, your ESINY physician will personally reach out during the first week to check on your recovery, offer guidance, and ensure that any questions are thoroughly addressed.
Transformative Spine Care From Doctors You Can Trust.
World Class Expertise...
Dr. Konakondla saved Harry's life...helping him when no one else would. We're forever grateful for your world class skill and expertise and I'll never forget the positive energy you extended to me when I felt my world was falling apart. Blessings to you always.
Harry and JoAnn Burger
Harry and JoAnn Burger
New York is so Fortunate!
Dr. Telfeian was a Godsend to my husband...and many of our friends that we sent to him. My husband had immediate results in his back from Dr. Telfeian. His expertise and bedside manner are second to none. New York you are so fortunate to have him!
Donna Paolino
Donna Paolino
Less Pain and Faster Recovery
Dr. Albert Telfeian is a world-renowned neurosurgeon with extensive experience in endoscopic spine surgery. I’m so impressed with the comprehensive care I received at Dr. Telfeian’s practice. He was very transparent and reassuring when explaining the procedure, and I felt comfortable knowing he is an expert in endoscopic spine surgery. The endoscopic approach resulted in significantly less pain and a much faster recovery than anticipated. Not only is he a skilled surgeon, he’s also a compassionate and caring physician. Dr. Telfeian diagnosed my condition accurately, and took the time to thoroughly explain my treatment options in detail. He made me feel completely at ease and most confident in his care. I am extremely grateful for The Endoscopic Spine Institute of New York and the positive outcome.
Tiffany Stripling
Tiffany Stripling
Truly Grateful!
I’m truly grateful to Dr. Shen for the incredible care he provided during my spine surgery. He performed an endoscopic, super minimally invasive procedure that allowed me to walk right away—without pain—and I was even back at work the very next day! From my very first consultation, Dr. Shen and his team made sure I felt comfortable and well-informed about every step of the process. Their genuine compassion and expert guidance eased my worries and made all the difference in my recovery. I’m now on the road to feeling completely healthy again, and I can’t thank him enough for his skill and dedication. If you’re thinking about spine surgery and want someone who combines expertise with a personal touch, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Shen. His care changed my life for the better, and I’m so thankful for everything he’s done for me.
Eitan Spiegel
Eitan Spiegel
Endoscopic Spine Surgery is the Way
Dr. Shen is a compassionate doctor who cares about every single patient he sees. He remembered everything about my case without a x ray or paperwork in front of him when I had questions. I successfully got two separate back surgeries this past summer. My pain in my upper back, that plagued me for years, is completely gone where I had cervical stenosis. My fusion on my lower spine is well on its way to healing fully. I vetted four different top surgeons in NYC before choosing Dr. Shen and I’m very happy with my choice. Don’t let old school surgeons tell you that endoscopic is not the way. They are just trying to get patients without learning the new technology. Dr. Shen called me every day after my surgery for about two weeks to see how I was doing and it meant a lot to me.
Audrey Cohen
Audrey Cohen
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Endoscopic spine surgery is regarded as the least invasive option among current surgical techniques for spinal care. It involves the insertion of a slender endoscope, fitted with a miniature camera and precision surgical instruments, through an incision that is only about the size of a pencil tip. This method avoids unnecessary damage to surrounding tissues and is considered one of the most advanced breakthroughs in spinal treatment. ESINY is unique nationwide, being the only institution fully committed to focusing on and developing this form of minimally invasive spinal surgery.
Endoscopic spine treatment provides patients with a clear set of advantages. By targeting the exact cause of pain, the procedure delivers reliable relief while carrying fewer risks and fewer complications than traditional methods. Recovery is also faster, allowing patients to resume normal activities sooner than expected. Many individuals appreciate that they can walk after the procedure, leave the treatment center on the same day, and experience a smoother healing process compared to surgery or repeated injection therapies.
In conventional spinal surgeries, surgeons often need to create large openings, cut through or detach muscles, and sometimes even remove parts of bone. This leads to increased pain, extensive scarring, and long recovery times that can span several weeks or months. These surgeries frequently rely on hardware such as rods and screws to stabilize the spine. Endoscopic spine surgery differs dramatically because it uses only a small entry point, spares much of the surrounding tissue, and enables many patients to return home within hours, experiencing far less discomfort and disruption.
Patients who have managed spinal pain through prior injections or conservative therapies often prefer treatment options that are minimally invasive. Endoscopic spine surgery builds on this preference by concentrating on the exact source of pain. The goal of this approach is to provide results that are precise, targeted, and potentially more durable over time.
Individuals frequently pursue our services when injections or previous interventions no longer provide relief, looking for a solution that truly addresses the problem. With its minimal impact on surrounding tissues and precise targeting of the pain source, endoscopic spine surgery can help alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and support a return to the activities and lifestyle that patients value most.
Yes, the program is considered safe when carried out by specialists with expertise in this field. Unlike traditional open surgery, the endoscopic approach is associated with fewer overall risks, a reduction in blood loss, lower complication rates, and faster healing, making it an excellent treatment option for many patients.
The technique allows for flexibility in anesthesia. Many patients are treated with mild sedation combined with local anesthesia, which enables them to recover more quickly afterward. However, if desired, general anesthesia is available for those who prefer to be completely unconscious throughout the procedure.
Patients are generally able to leave the clinic within hours after surgery and resume light activity the same day. Relief from pain in the arms or legs can often be noticed right away. The overall recovery timeline is usually several weeks shorter than what is required after open spinal surgery.
A wide range of spinal problems can be treated with endoscopic techniques. Conditions such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, herniated discs, bone spurs, and some forms of chronic back pain can be managed effectively with this less invasive approach that precisely targets problem areas.
Most individuals experience only minor discomfort following endoscopic surgery. Compared with open procedures, the level of pain is much lower, and many patients find that they do not need strong prescription medications for relief.
The incision is extremely small, usually measuring less than 1 cm. It is similar in size to the end of a pencil eraser. The cut is closed with medical-grade adhesive and then protected using a specialized ESINY bandage to promote healing and minimize scarring.
Although endoscopic spine surgery is expanding at an impressive pace worldwide, there are still relatively few surgeons who are properly trained to perform it. While more hospitals and surgical centers across the globe are beginning to adopt this minimally invasive technique, expertise remains limited to those who have completed extensive training programs and gained substantial hands-on experience. Even surgeons who have gone through structured courses must accumulate a high number of real-world procedures before they can achieve mastery of the method. The operation requires not only a specific set of instruments but also a level of technical precision that places it out of reach for most practicing spinal surgeons. ESINY is exceptional in the United States for bringing together four endoscopic spine experts with international training who work under one roof. This highly specialized team ensures that our facility maintains the highest endoscopic spine surgery case volume of any center in the nation.
Residents of Long Island City experiencing ongoing back or neck discomfort may still qualify for endoscopic spine surgery, even if traditional open surgery was recommended or considered unfeasible. For individuals who have received injections or other procedures that failed to provide relief, ESINY offers a comprehensive evaluation to explore alternative solutions. Our highly skilled endoscopic spine surgeons and pain management experts collaborate to design a treatment plan that is fully customized to your needs. Using advanced endoscopic procedures, we focus directly on the origin of pain while protecting surrounding tissues, which can help patients achieve reduced pain and a quicker recovery.
In a large number of cases, patients attain outcomes that meet or surpass those of conventional spine surgery, while their recovery is significantly shorter and smoother. At ESINY, our commitment is to precision in every surgical step, to the safety of every patient, and to improving overall quality of life through the expert practice of endoscopic spine care.