What is Endoscopic Discectomy (Lumbar Hernia)?

What is Endoscopic Discectomy (Lumbar Hernia)?

Table of Contents

• What is Endoscopic Surgery? 
• Is There Any Superiority of the Endoscopic Method Over Other Surgical Methods in Herniated Disc Surgeries?
• Is the Endoscopic Method Superior to Other Surgical Methods in Herniated Disc Operations?
• How Many Types of Endoscopic Interventions are There for Herniated Discs?
• In Which Cases are Lateral Endoscopic Interventions Preferred?
• What are the Disadvantages of Endoscopic Procedures?
• Are There Any Complications of Endoscopic Hernia Surgery?

What is Endoscopic Surgery? 

Endoscopic surgery is a surgical procedure that involves opening a small hole to treat a disease that occurs anywhere in the body, reaching the affected area and using advanced imaging systems to move the affected area to a screen and enlarging the visual field by using advanced lens systems. This procedure is also popularly known as closed surgery.

Is There Any Superiority of the Endoscopic Method Over Other Surgical Methods in Herniated Disc Surgeries?

In general, the less anatomical damage a surgical procedure is performed with, the more successful it is considered to be. As the surgical openings become smaller, the necessity to perform surgery by enlarging the tissue arises automatically. Both microscopic and endoscopic surgical interventions allow for this. Another reason why many people today prefer endoscopic intervention, which is a closed method, is that they can be discharged and return to work a few hours after surgery.

Is the Endoscopic Method Superior to Other Surgical Methods in Herniated Disc Operations?

Many factors play a role in deciding whether a patient's hernia can be removed endoscopically, such as the height of the intervertebral space, the distance of the hernia, the location and size of the hernia. Therefore, there is no such thing as a successful endoscopic procedure for every herniated disc.

How Many Types of Endoscopic Interventions are There for Herniated Discs?

Basically, the method that is entered near the midline of the waist is mostly applied in the lowest level herniated discs. On the other hand, the lateral approach is preferred for hernias at higher levels.

In Which Cases are Lateral Endoscopic Interventions Preferred?

The endoscopic foraminal approach causes much less anatomical damage than the open approach in herniated discs located in or outside the foramen where the nerve leaves the spinal canal. Therefore, in these cases, the lateral endoscopic approach is the method of choice.

What are the Disadvantages of Endoscopic Procedures?

One disadvantage of endoscopic surgery is that the surgery is performed on a screen in a two-dimensional environment. For this reason, microscopic surgery is still considered the gold standard for herniated discs in the spinal canal because it provides a three-dimensional image.

Are There Any Complications of Endoscopic Hernia Surgery?

As with any intervention, complications such as nerve damage, inflammation, bleeding and rupture of the membrane surrounding the nerves are also possible. However, these are very unlikely in experienced hands.