Endoscopic Spine Surgery

A lumbar endoscopic laminectomy or discectomy may be recommended for patients who:

• Have a herniated lumbar disc or lumbar spinal stenosis causing nerve compression.

• Experience sciatica (leg pain), numbness, tingling, or weakness that interferes with daily activities.

• Have not improved with conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections over several weeks to months.

• Prefer a minimally invasive approach that allows smaller incisions, less muscle damage, and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

• In urgent cases, develop progressive weakness or sudden changes in bladder or bowel control (which may require more immediate surgery).

Not all patients are suitable candidates for a lumbar endoscopic laminectomy or discectomy. Dr. B will review your condition and perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether an endoscopic approach is appropriate for you.

A lumbar endoscopic laminectomy or discectomy is performed through a very small incision in the lower back, typically less than a centimeter. Through this incision, Dr. B inserts a thin tube called an endoscope, which has a camera and light to provide a magnified view of the spine. Specialized surgical instruments are then used—either through the endoscope or a separate tiny incision—to access the herniated disc or the area of spinal canal narrowing. Dr. B carefully removes the portion of bone or disc material that is compressing the nerves under this enhanced visualization.

Importantly, the spinous process is kept intact, and there is no stripping of the paraspinal muscles as is typically required in traditional open spine surgery. By preserving normal anatomy and avoiding muscle detachment, this approach minimizes tissue disruption.

Once the procedure is complete, the instruments and endoscope are removed, and the tiny incision is closed with a stitch or surgical adhesive. This minimally invasive technique leads to less muscle and tissue injury, reduced blood loss, a smaller scar, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Most patients are able to return home the day of surgery.

The advantages of a lumbar endoscopic laminectomy or discectomy include:

• Minimally invasive: Performed through a very small incision, reducing tissue trauma.

• Less muscle damage: Preserves surrounding muscles compared to open surgery. The spinous process is kept intact, and there is no stripping of the paraspinal muscles.

• Reduced blood loss during the procedure.

• Smaller scar due to the tiny incision.

• Shorter hospital stay – often done as an outpatient procedure.

• Faster recovery – patients can return to daily activities sooner.

• Lower postoperative pain and reduced need for narcotic pain medications.

• Precise visualization of the spine through the endoscope, allowing targeted removal of the problematic disc or bone.

Please refer to our Patient Education Booklet for detailed information.