Spinal disorders affect daily life—especially herniated discs compressing nerves, spinal canal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and various spinal abnormalities that a physician has assessed as requiring surgery. Endoscopic spine surgery (Endoscopic Surgery) is a surgical option that is not only minimally invasive with a small incision, less pain, and faster recovery, but also reduces surgical complications—allowing you to return to movement and daily life with confidence.
What is endoscopic spine surgery Endoscopic Surgery ?
Endoscopic spine surgery (Endoscopic Surgery) is a surgical technique using a small, high-definition endoscope through a small surgical opening of about 1 centimeter. The surgery is performed under monitor guidance to treat spinal abnormalities that cause pain. Because the physician does not need to make a large incision, injury to surrounding tissues is reduced, and the back muscles do not need to be cut or damaged. As a result, patients experience less pain, require a shorter recovery period, recover faster, and achieve satisfactory outcomes according to the planned treatment.
What symptoms require endoscopic spine surgery Endoscopic Surgery
If abnormal symptoms occur and treatment with medication or physical therapy does not improve them, surgery may be needed promptly as recommended by the physician. Indications for surgery include:
- Conservative treatment is ineffective: Severe persistent pain for more than 6 – 8 weeks, with no improvement despite medication, physical therapy, or injections
- Neurological abnormalities: Numbness, weakness, radiating pain to the arms or legs, muscle atrophy, or abnormal function
- Bowel or bladder control problems: Inability to control bowel movements or urination (emergency)
How is diagnosis performed before endoscopic spine surgery Endoscopic Surgery ?
- Detailed medical history taking and physical examination
- Assessment of symptoms and severity, such as back pain, back pain radiating down the leg, numbness, or weakness
- Neurological examination: nerve function, spine, and muscles
- X-ray (X – ray) to check for spinal abnormalities
- Spinal MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging – MRI) to examine the spinal structure in 3 dimensions, enabling the physician to diagnose spinal abnormalities in detail
What are the steps of endoscopic spine surgery Endoscopic Surgery ?
- An anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia to the patient.
- The surgeon confirms the surgical site.
- The surgeon makes an opening in the skin of about 1 centimeter, which may be on the back or the side of the spine.
- The surgeon inserts the endoscope into the surgical area and performs the operation via a monitor connected to the endoscope in real time, ensuring precise surgery and alignment with the treatment goals.
- After the surgery is completed, the patient is transferred to the inpatient room.
Preparation before endoscopic spine surgery Endoscopic Surgery
- No food or water for at least 8 hours before surgery to avoid aspiration during general anesthesia
- Stop medications that affect blood clotting and other medications as advised by the physician
- No smoking and no alcohol for 2 weeks before surgery
- Stop all supplements 7 days before surgery
- Exercise regularly and get enough sleep
- Reduce and control weight to an appropriate range
How to care after endoscopic spine surgery Endoscopic Surgery ?
- The patient receives pain medication to relieve post-operative pain.
- Within 1 – 2 hours after surgery, the patient can move, sit, stand, walk, and do light activities under the supervision of a physician or nurse.
- A physical therapist will provide appropriate physical therapy to help strengthen the patient’s body.
- The patient stays in the hospital for 1 day; if no abnormalities are found, the patient can continue recovery at home.
- Do not bend the back, cough, sneeze, strain, or twist forcefully.
- Wear a back brace/support device as advised by the physician.
- If activities requiring significant effort are needed, such as prolonged standing or lifting weights, wait at least 4 – 6 weeks after surgery.
- Attend every scheduled follow-up appointment.
Advantages of endoscopic spine surgery Endoscopic Surgery
- Reduced risk of infection
- Reduced muscle injury
- Small incision, less pain, less blood loss
- Short recovery period and faster recovery
- Reduced damage to surrounding healthy tissue
- Can go home within 1 – 2 days after surgery
A hospital specialized in endoscopic spine surgery Endoscopic Surgery
Spine Center, Bangkok Hospital International—a hospital for bones and the brain—ready to care for all spine problems with a highly experienced team of specialist physicians and a multidisciplinary team providing close consultation, along with modern tools and technology for treatment and spine surgery using Endoscopic Surgery to help you return to agile movement every day.
Physician specialized in endoscopic spine surgery Endoscopic Surgery
Dr. Porameth Charoentanakorn Spine surgeon, Bangkok Hospital International, Hospital for Bones and the Brain
You can click here to make an appointment yourself.
