At ESINY, our mission is to conduct spine surgery using sophisticated endoscopic techniques that provide the highest level of precision while keeping intervention to the lowest level necessary. By concentrating on this refined and specialised treatment method, we are devoted to guiding you through a recovery process that is both swift and effective. Our goal is to help you restore your strength, enhance your overall physical condition, and enjoy the complete and vibrant life that you deserve in all aspects.
Finally, The Relief You've Been Waiting For.
Endoscopic spine surgery represents a significant advancement in spinal care, making it possible to treat back conditions with highly precise and minimally invasive medical techniques. At the Endoscopic Spine Institute of New York, our objective is to reinvent the surgical experience by ensuring patient safety, employing very small incisions, supporting faster recovery, and giving patients the confidence to embrace a future of improved health and activity. Our institute is led by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons recognised as leading authorities in this specialised field, and as the only Endoscopic Spine Institute in the United States, we are committed to helping patients achieve lasting wellness and restored health.
By working through an incision that measures less than one centimetre and using a surgical camera about the size of a pencil eraser, our surgeons can perform state-of-the-art endoscopic procedures with exceptional precision and minimal interference with surrounding tissues.
Your Precise, Powerful Solution From The Spine Experts
Your spinal health demands the care of medical professionals who have continually demonstrated leadership and excellence at the highest levels of their profession. At the Endoscopic Spine Institute of New York, our renowned team of neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons has dedicated decades to perfecting endoscopic spine surgery, combining technical skill with extensive clinical experience. Their work has reached a global audience through presentations at over 500 conferences, including those of the North American Spine Society and the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. With more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and the distinction of Honorary Membership in the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgeons, their influence in spinal medicine is extraordinary. This remarkable expertise ensures that your care is guided by precision, authority, and innovative surgical practice.
Fewer Risks, Faster Recovery
Endoscopic spine surgery provides substantial advantages compared with traditional open procedures. Patients experience reduced risks, lower blood loss, and an incision that is extremely small, often measuring less than one centimetre. The likelihood of complications is minimized, and recovery is significantly faster, often shortened by several weeks. This advanced surgical approach allows patients to return to daily activities more quickly while maintaining optimal outcomes and overall spinal health.
Go Home the Same Day with Only a Band-Aid
An impressive ninety-five percent of patients leave the hospital on the same day as their procedure and are able to resume light physical activity immediately. The necessity for heavy bandaging is removed entirely, replaced by a single, simple ESINY band-aid that covers the incision without adding discomfort. There are no overnight stays required, and patients are not restricted by lengthy recovery periods, allowing for a quicker return to daily life.
Skip General Anesthesia
Comfort is central to the design of this surgical approach. Most procedures are conducted using local anaesthesia combined with light sedation, ensuring the patient remains relaxed and pain-free. While general anaesthesia can be employed in specific situations, it is not commonly needed, and most patients experience a smooth and comfortable procedure without it.
A Solution For Every Stage
The benefits of endoscopic spine treatment are available to patients at any stage of their journey. Whether individuals are just beginning to explore solutions, returning for follow-up after a prior surgery, or looking for alternatives to injections, this method provides a highly effective path to recovery. Over 30,000 patients have already restored their ability to engage in normal daily activities and enjoy an enhanced quality of life because of this innovative approach.
The Go-To For Other Spine Doctors
Even professionals within the field of spinal care trust our team. More than forty spine surgeons have selected our group for their own treatment, underscoring the confidence and respect we have earned in the medical community and solidifying our reputation as the surgeon’s surgeon.
What We Treat
Meet Your Team
At the Endoscopic Spine Institute of New York, our leadership in endoscopic spine procedures is firmly established on the exceptional skill, clinical expertise, and extensive professional accomplishments of our award-winning surgeons and physicians. Each approach to treatment is meticulously designed to uncover and directly address the true source of spinal discomfort, achieving outcomes that offer more lasting relief, fewer associated risks, and recovery times that are noticeably shorter than those resulting from standard surgical interventions or continuous injections. Patients experience a comprehensive approach in which advanced medical innovation, precise clinical execution, and efficient surgical methods work seamlessly together. The overarching aim of this approach is to restore comfort, enhance mobility, and bring back the quality of life that patients have been longing to regain.
What To Expect
At the time of your consultation, we make it a priority to gain a complete understanding of your case by discussing the symptoms you are experiencing and reviewing any prior treatments or procedures that may have been undertaken. If it is determined that you are a suitable candidate for endoscopic spine surgery, we will explain the entire treatment process in detail so that you have a clear picture of what to expect from the initial steps of your procedure all the way through your full recovery.
Endoscopic spine treatment is widely recognised as the least invasive surgical option that still requires a small incision. Thanks to the advanced techniques used in this approach, patients often recover much more quickly than they would with traditional surgery, while experiencing fewer complications or side effects. In most instances, only local anesthesia is necessary, allowing patients to return home safely on the same day as their procedure.
During the first week following your treatment, your ESINY physician will personally check in to review your recovery, provide any additional instructions needed for a smooth healing process, and answer any questions to ensure you feel informed, supported, and comfortable throughout the post-treatment period.
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 widely regarded as the least invasive spinal procedure available today. It relies on an endoscope, which combines a miniature high-definition camera with precise surgical instruments, and is inserted through a very small incision roughly the size of a pencil. This technique minimizes trauma to the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues, making recovery faster and less painful. ESINY is currently the only center in the United States fully devoted to advancing, perfecting, and performing this highly specialized surgical approach, ensuring patients receive care guided by extensive expertise and innovation.
The benefits of endoscopic spine treatment stem from its precision in finding and treating the exact source of spinal pain. Patients typically experience fewer risks, reduced complications, and much faster recovery compared to traditional surgery or repeated injections. In many cases, patients can walk comfortably immediately following treatment and are discharged safely on the same day, eliminating the need for extended hospital stays and allowing them to resume normal routines quickly.
Conventional spine surgery often requires large incisions, cutting through muscles, and occasionally removing bone, all of which can cause significant discomfort and necessitate prolonged rehabilitation. Many traditional approaches also involve surgical hardware such as rods, screws, or plates, increasing the invasiveness of the procedure. Endoscopic spine surgery, on the other hand, involves only a small incision, minimizes tissue disruption, and dramatically reduces recovery time. Patients are typically able to return home just hours after their surgery and resume daily activities much sooner than with standard surgical methods.
For those who have previously relied on injections or conservative therapies to manage spinal discomfort, minimally invasive treatment is often an obvious preference. Endoscopic spine surgery embraces the same philosophy by focusing directly on the underlying source of pain. The procedure aims to deliver results that are accurate, potentially longer-lasting, and considerably less disruptive than traditional surgical interventions.
Many patients come to us when prior injections are no longer effective, seeking a treatment that addresses the root of the problem. By combining minimal disruption of tissues with precise targeting, endoscopic spine surgery helps alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support a return to the activities and lifestyle that patients value most.
Yes, this program is highly safe when performed by skilled specialists. Compared with conventional spinal surgeries, endoscopic techniques generally result in lower complication rates, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery. These advantages have led to endoscopic spine surgery being widely recognised and trusted in modern spinal care practices.
In many cases, endoscopic procedures are performed under light sedation and local anesthesia, which allows for a faster, more comfortable recovery. For those who prefer to be completely unconscious during the procedure, general anesthesia is always an option, ensuring that patients receive care in the way that best matches their comfort and safety preferences.
Patients are generally able to leave the clinic and walk on the same day as their endoscopic spine procedure. Many are able to resume gentle daily activities almost immediately, often noticing a reduction in pain affecting the back, legs, or arms. Recovery is considerably quicker compared with traditional open spine surgery, with many individuals returning to normal routines in just a few weeks while experiencing improved mobility and reduced discomfort throughout the healing process.
Endoscopic methods are employed to treat a broad spectrum of spinal problems, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, bone spurs, and other long-term back conditions. The minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to target the precise area causing discomfort with very little disruption to surrounding tissue, helping patients recover faster while addressing the root cause of pain.
Most patients report only mild soreness after the procedure rather than significant or severe pain. Because the surgery involves only a tiny incision, post-operative discomfort is much less than with traditional open procedures. Many patients find that prescription pain medications are not necessary, as minor soreness can be effectively managed with standard over-the-counter remedies.
The incision for this surgery is extremely small, typically less than one centimetre, comparable to the size of a pencil eraser. This creates very minimal scarring. The wound is carefully closed using medical adhesive and covered with a protective ESINY bandage, allowing it to heal properly while maintaining cleanliness and security throughout the recovery period.
Endoscopic spine surgery continues to grow in popularity worldwide, but it remains a specialized field that requires advanced training and extensive experience. Not all surgeons are prepared to perform these procedures because true proficiency requires both formal training and the completion of numerous surgical cases. Additionally, the surgery demands specialized tools and techniques beyond what is standard in traditional spinal procedures. ESINY is one of the few centers in the United States with four endoscopic spine surgeons who have completed international training, all working together within a single facility. This collaborative approach not only enhances the expertise available to each patient but also allows our center to maintain the nation’s highest volume of endoscopic spine surgeries.
Residents of Stamford with chronic back or neck pain may still be suitable candidates for endoscopic spine surgery, even if open surgery was previously recommended. For those whose prior treatments, such as injections or minor procedures, did not provide sufficient relief, ESINY offers a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate approach. Our team of expert endoscopic spine surgeons and pain specialists creates an individualized treatment plan, using advanced techniques to address the source of pain while preserving surrounding tissues. This often results in less discomfort and a faster overall recovery.
Endoscopic spine surgery frequently provides results that are comparable to or even better than traditional surgical approaches, with the additional benefit of a shorter recovery period. At ESINY, every procedure is performed with meticulous care, prioritizing patient safety and improving quality of life through the precise application of advanced endoscopic techniques. Our commitment is to ensure that patients achieve lasting relief while regaining the ability to return to their normal daily activities safely and comfortably.