Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic Discectomy in Edison, NJ

Minimally-invasive surgery has been rising in popularity as an effective and safe procedure in order to help treat neck and back conditions. But what does this surgery entail, and who should consider undergoing it?

If you or a loved one has any spine-related pain or symptoms, get in touch now with our experienced spine surgeons for more detailed diagnoses and professional medical advice at NJ Spine & Orthopedic. We can help you get the treatment and care you need.

What Is Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic Discectomy?

Endoscopic discectomy is a type of spine surgery that uses an endoscope to treat various spine conditions. It’s one of the least invasive spine procedures that your spine doctor may recommend if you have a spinal cord condition that’s causing excessive pressure on your nerve roots, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected segment of the spine. Depending on the affected disc, these symptoms may be present on any part of the spine, including the neck or lower back.

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we perform endoscopic discectomy as minimally-invasive surgery. What this basically means is that you can go home the same day of the surgery — in other words, this outpatient procedure only requires a few hours’ stay in the hospital. Being a less invasive surgery also means less trauma during the surgery, which translates to faster recovery and resumption of your day-to-day chores in a few weeks.

Spine Conditions Treatable by Endoscopic Discectomy

Minimally-invasive endoscopic surgery can be leveraged to treat different disc conditions throughout the spine region, from cervical endoscopic discectomy used in cases of neck pain and lower back endoscopic discectomy used in cases of lower back pain. Some of the common conditions treatable through this treatment include:

• Herniated disc
• Bulging disc
• Radiculopathy
• Some forms of sciatica
• Disc tear

Generally, endoscopic discectomy in Edison, NJ is of value where only a tiny part of the vertebrae needs to be removed. One major benefit of this procedure is that it maintains the normal movement and functioning of the spine since only a small portion of the problematic disc material is removed, unlike a spine fusion surgery.

How Is a Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic Discectomy Performed in Edison, NJ?

Following a correct diagnosis of the patient’s condition and sustained failure by other remedies to alleviate symptoms, healthcare providers may suggest a spine surgery like minimally-invasive endoscopic discectomy in Edison, NJ to help relieve spine-related pain. This is a relatively safe procedure, and most patients report improved symptoms soon after the surgery.

Preparation

Days before the surgery, your spine doctor will help you conduct the final assessment of whether this is the right treatment option for you. You may also be asked to stop taking some medicines that may negatively affect the procedure or recovery. Food and drinks are also discouraged less than 12 hours before the surgery. 

In the Operating Room

A minimally-invasive endoscopic discectomy in Edison, NJ, is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. This means they will feel minimal pain or discomfort during the operation.

Typically, a small tube is inserted through a small incision made on the skin surface directly above the affected vertebrae. An endoscope is then introduced through the tube to help the surgeon visualize the surgery area. Alternatively, surgeons may deploy a laser to help absorb/vaporize the tissue blocking or pressing on the nerve roots.

Once the surgeons are through, the endoscope and the tube are retrieved, and the small incision is closed. This whole procedure usually takes about an hour, after which the patient is moved to a recovery room for a few hours under close observation by medics. Most people are ready to go home within a few hours following a successful minimally-invasive endoscopic discectomy in Edison, NJ.

Recovery

As with any other surgery, you may feel a little discomfort and pain in the surgery site for a few days following the surgery. This pain is basically treated by pain medications you go home with from the hospital. However, you can expect your chronic pain, numbness, or weakness caused by a herniated disc to start receding within a day or two.

Though you may be restricted from heavy duties for a few weeks, most people are ready to resume their typical daily tasks in three to six weeks.

Am I the Right Candidate for Endoscopic Discectomy?

Not everyone with back pain or neck pain is a good candidate to undergo an endoscopic discectomy. Spine doctors first recommend non-surgical measures to treat your pain. These may include pain medications and physical therapy. If these don’t improve your symptoms after several months, you can consider undergoing a discectomy.

If you or someone you love is considering undergoing this procedure, use our free Candidacy Verification Tool and get guided help to determine whether it fits you.

Consult Experienced Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic Discectomy Surgeons in Edison, NJ

Minimally-invasive endoscopic discectomy has proven to be an incredible medical intervention for many people with chronic neck and back pain in Edison and beyond. Our experienced spine and orthopedic specialist have been performing minimally-invasive endoscopic discectomy surgeries for many years, with an impressive track record of success.

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we believe in treating people, not patients. That’s why our treatment is entirely based on a patient-first approach, a strategy that prioritizes the person’s specific needs and care. Our Concierge Team is also here to do all the heavy lifting for your appointments. Call our Edison office at (866) 553-0612 or fill out our contact form to speak with an experienced surgeon today.