Endoscopic lumbar and cervical hernia surgery involves surgically removing herniated or compressed material from spinal discs. This type of surgery is less invasive compared to traditional surgical techniques.
What is Endoscopic Surgery?
Endoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique increasingly used in the treatment of many health problems, especially spine-related issues. It involves making several small incisions rather than large cuts, through which an endoscopic camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the surgical area. The endoscopic camera allows the surgeon to see the surgical site in detail on a large screen, enabling the procedure to be performed with minimal tissue damage.
Endoscopic Surgery for Lumbar and Cervical Hernias
Effective for disc herniation and other spinal problems, endoscopic surgery is particularly useful in treating hernias in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, allowing the patient to remain pain-free during the operation and facilitating rapid postoperative recovery.
Application Process for Endoscopic Lumbar and Cervical Hernia Surgery
- Preparation: Patients undergo a comprehensive physical examination and MRI or CT scans before surgery to precisely determine the location and details of the hernia.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia keeps the patient awake comfortably, though sedation or general anesthesia may also be preferred in some cases.
- Procedure: The surgeon makes a very small incision on the skin (usually around 1 cm) and advances the endoscope and other surgical instruments into the spinal canal. Using images obtained with the endoscopic camera, the herniated disc and troublesome tissues are removed.
- Postoperative Period: The procedure takes about 1 hour, and patients can typically return home on the same day of surgery. After the operation, specific medications are prescribed, and patients are encouraged to begin a physical therapy program.
Advantages of Endoscopic Lumbar and Cervical Hernia Surgery
- Less Pain and Bleeding: Small incisions minimize postoperative pain and bleeding.
- Quick Recovery: Patients return to their normal lives more quickly.
- Low Infection Risk: Closed surgical techniques reduce the risk of infection compared to open surgeries.
- Minimal Scarring: Small incisions result in less noticeable scars.
Endoscopic surgery for lumbar and cervical hernias represents a revolutionary technique in spinal surgery and can provide good outcomes for suitable patients. However, like any surgical intervention, this method may not be suitable for everyone. Factors such as the patient’s specific health condition, the location, and size of the hernia determine the suitability of treatment.
Risks and Side Effects
Like all surgical procedures, endoscopic lumbar and cervical hernia surgeries carry some risks and side effects:
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, although this risk can be minimized with sterile conditions and proper antibiotic use.
- Nerve Damage: There is a risk of nerve damage during surgery, though this risk is quite low with experienced surgeons and proper technique.
- Bleeding: While the risk of bleeding is lower in minimally invasive procedures, it is always present.
- Incomplete Removal of Disc: In some cases, it may not be possible to completely remove herniated disc material, necessitating additional treatments.
- Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leakage: There may be CSF leakage due to possible tearing of the spinal membrane during surgery.
Endoscopic surgery, especially for hernias in the lumbar and cervical regions, offers many advantages over traditional open surgery. These advantages include shorter recovery times, reduced postoperative pain, decreased infection risk, and less noticeable scarring. Additionally, this method allows patients to return to their daily lives more quickly, minimizing work loss and improving quality of life.