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Endoscopic Discectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure to remove herniated disc material.
Cervical Endoscopic Discectomy (CED)
The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes with the patient under general anesthesia. During CED a small needle is inserted into the disc. A guidewire is then inserted through the needle and the needle is removed.  Over the guidewire, a slightly larger tube is inserted. By inserting trephine through the annulus, a small opening is made and the tube is advanced into the disc. The disc is visualized with a tiny endoscope and then the disc is removed using a grasper and a rongeur. A Holmium YAG laser is then inserted and heat is applied to shrink the disc. Also, an Ellman bipolar radiofrequency probe is inserted to shrink the disc even further. This is all accomplished through a mini-incision site on the skin, causing minimal discomfort and requiring only a Band-Aid.
Lumbar Endosopic Discectomy (LED)
The procedure takes approximately one hour with the patient under local anesthesia. With  the help of x-ray guidance, a small needle is inserted into the disc. A specially designed dilator and cannula is inserted through the skin of the back and into the herniated disc space. The disc is visualized with an endoscope. The herniated disc can then be removed using mechanical instruments including graspers, forceps and rongeurs. Thermal heat is applied to the disc with a Holmium YAG laser and the Ellman radiofrequency probe to shrink the disc further and seal it. The rest of the disc is left intact. The mini-incision of the skin is covered with a Band-Aid.
With the help of x-ray fluoroscopy and magnified video for guidance, a small endoscopic probe is inserted between the vertebrae and into the herniated disc space. Tiny surgical attachments are the sent down the hollow center of the probe to remove a portion of the offending disc.
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This small amount of disc material that has been successfully removed was responsible for persistent pain. the patient can now look forward to a speedy recovery and a much improved quality of life. |
X-ray exposure is minimal. You normally will feel very minimal, if any pain or discomfort. The amount of tissue removed varies but the supporting structure of the disc is not affected by the surgery. The access route to the disc consists of only the probe's small puncture site, in comparison to large incisions required for open surgery.
Endoscopic Discectomy is different from open lumbar disc surgery because there is no traumatic back muscle dissection, no bone removal, or large skin incision.
The risk of complications that may occur with conventional surgery are drastically reduced or eliminated with this procedure.
For more information, please contact our office at 973.470.8848 for an appointment or You may also request an appointment or contact us by email. |
