Endoscopic Spine Surgery - Advantages and Restrictions

An instrument for examining visually the interior of a bodily canal or a hollow organ such as the colon, bladder, or stomach. The endoscope usually has a fiber-optic camera that allows a greatly magnified image to be shown on a television screen viewed by the operator. Many endoscopes also allow the operator to retrieve a small sample (biopsy) of the area being examined, to more closely view the tissue under a microscope.

Endoscopic surgery refers to the use of specialized video cameras and instruments which are passed through small incisions (less than 2 cm) into the chest, abdominal or joint cavities to perform surgery.

These endoscopic techniques gave limited access that allowed simple treatments, since the new form of surgery was difficult and involved a learning curve.

Endoscopic spine surgery aims to reduce tissue trauma, prevent iatrogenic problems and preserve spinal segmental motion and stability.

The most compelling advantages of endoscopic procedures over open surgery are:

• Size of the incision are smaller and less tissue trauma
• Minimal blood loss
• Earlier return to activities and work
• Easier operative approach in obese patients
• Local or regional anesthesia combined with conscious sedation can be used
• In most cases, less postoperative pain medication is required
• As a consequence, outpatient procedures are possible
• Receovery from surgery is much quicker

Finally the reduced rate of infectious complications is a crucial advantage of this technique. milar to open posterior or open anterior surgery.

The patient is mobilized immediately after recovering from anesthesia. A muscle relaxant is given systematically. Physiotherapy is given immediately to mobilize the spine and loosen the muscles. With an impermeable dressing the patient may take a bath or shower straight away. The resumption of former physical activities is encouraged as soon as possible, particularly sports. Due to this, there is no restriction on the patient after this operation.


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