Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Surat
Spine surgeon in Surat: overview
Endoscopic lumbar discectomy removes the part of a slipped disc that presses on a nerve, using a thin camera tube (endoscope) passed through a small incision. Dr. Aman Khanna, M.S. Orthopaedics, offers endoscopic and minimally invasive spine procedures in Surat for selected patients. It suits some patients and not others.
What is endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery?
Both terms describe ways of doing a spine operation through smaller openings than a conventional open operation.
In endoscopic spine surgery a narrow tube, under a centimetre wide, carries a camera and fine instruments. The surgeon works while watching a screen. In minimally invasive spine surgery (sometimes called tubular surgery) a small tube holds the muscles apart, and the surgeon works through it, often with a microscope. The aim in both is the same as in conventional surgery: to relieve pressure on a nerve.
Which spine problems can be treated endoscopically?
In selected patients, an endoscopic approach can be used for a slipped disc in the lower back: endoscopic lumbar discectomy removes the part of the disc pressing on a nerve.
Larger operations, such as decompression for a narrowed canal and fusion for an unstable spine, are described on the decompression and fusion page. Your scan findings and symptoms decide the operation, and the technique follows from that.
Is endoscopic surgery right for me?
The level of the disc, the size and position of the fragment, narrowing of the canal, earlier spine surgery and any instability of the spine all affect the choice.
Endoscopic and conventional microscopic discectomy are both established ways to treat a slipped disc. Studies have not shown that one gives better results than the other for leg pain. The choice depends on the level and size of the disc and on what your scan shows. Occasionally the surgeon has to change to a conventional open approach during the operation, and you are told about this beforehand.
How an endoscopic disc operation is done
Endoscopic discectomy is usually done under local anaesthesia with sedation, and the exact position and approach depend on the level and the type of disc problem. A small cut is made on the back, and a guide tube is placed and checked with X-ray imaging. The endoscope is passed through it, the nerve is identified on the screen, and the disc fragment or the tissue pressing on the nerve is removed. The instruments are withdrawn and the small wound is closed.
Compare this with the conventional method on the slip disc surgery (microdiscectomy) page.
Preparation and recovery in general terms
Preparation is similar to other spine operations: a recent MRI, fitness tests, a review of your medicines and and a talk about what the operation is expected to relieve. Smoking should be stopped.
Endoscopic discectomy is usually day-care surgery, so most patients go home the same day. After surgery most patients are helped to walk early. Leg pain and nerve symptoms may ease first, while numbness can take longer. Advice on lifting, bending, sitting and physiotherapy, and on when to restart desk work and heavier tasks, is given at discharge.
Risks of endoscopic spine surgery
Endoscopic surgery carries the risks of any spine operation, discussed in detail before consent:
- Wound infection or bleeding around the spine.
- A hole in the covering of the nerves (dural tear).
- Nerve injury, with weakness or numbness, or irritation of the nerve root at that level.
- Part of the disc fragment left behind, or the disc slipping again later, so that more treatment is needed.
- Conversion to an open operation if the problem cannot be reached or seen well enough.
- Anaesthesia risks and clots in the leg veins.
Questions to ask your spine surgeon
- Does my scan suit an endoscopic approach, or is a conventional operation more appropriate?
- How often do you perform this particular operation?
- What are the risks in my case, and what happens if the endoscopic approach has to be changed?
- What can this operation realistically relieve, and what might it not change?
Overview of all spine services: spine surgeon in Surat.
When to see a doctor urgently
Any of these with back or leg symptoms means the emergency department, on the same day and without waiting for an OPD slot:
- Weakness that is new or getting worse in a leg or foot, including a foot that slaps on the ground
- Trouble passing urine, or no control over urine or stools
- Numbness in the saddle area (genitals, anus, inner thighs), both legs affected, or a new change in sexual function
- Clumsy hands, trouble with buttons, an unsteady walk, or weakness or numbness in both arms or both legs
- Pain after a fall, road accident or other serious injury to the back or neck
- Severe back pain with fever
Back pain with unexplained weight loss or a past history of cancer should be seen within a day or two.
OPD location and timings
Mahavir Hospital — Athwa
Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, Surat 395001OPD: Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM · By appointment
To book an OPD visit, message +91 89808 22922 on WhatsApp; examination and advice are given at the consultation, not over chat.
Frequently asked questions
What is endoscopic spine surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery is an operation done through a small incision using a thin tube with a camera and fine instruments. It is used in selected patients to remove a slipped disc fragment that presses on a nerve in the lower back.
What is endoscopic lumbar discectomy?
Endoscopic lumbar discectomy removes the part of a lower-back disc that is pressing on a nerve, with the surgeon watching on a screen through an endoscope. It treats the same problem as conventional microdiscectomy by a different approach.
Is endoscopic spine surgery better than open surgery?
Not proven. Both are accepted, and results for leg pain are similar in suitable patients. The right one depends on your scan findings, your symptoms and the surgeon's training with the technique.
Does minimally invasive spine surgery mean a small operation with no risk?
No. A smaller incision does not remove the risks of a spine operation, such as infection, nerve injury, a tear in the nerve covering, or the problem returning. These are explained before you decide.
Who is suitable for endoscopic spine surgery?
A patient whose symptoms match a disc fragment on the scan, and whose spine is stable, may be considered. The level, the size and position of the fragment and any earlier surgery also affect this. Many patients with spine pain need no surgery.
How long is recovery after endoscopic spine surgery?
Endoscopic discectomy is usually done under local anaesthesia with sedation as day-care surgery, and most people are walking soon after it. Leg pain often eases before numbness does. Activity limits, physiotherapy and the timing of return to work are set at discharge and follow-up, because they depend on the condition.
Where can I consult Dr. Aman Khanna for endoscopic spine surgery in Surat?
The OPD is at Mahavir Health Campus on Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, open Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM by appointment. WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922 is for booking only.
Related pages
Spine surgeon in Surat
The overview: back and neck assessment, non-operative care and the spine operations Dr. Khanna performs.
Spine overview SurgerySlip disc surgery (microdiscectomy)
What lumbar microdiscectomy involves, who may need it, and recovery in general terms.
Slip disc surgery SurgerySpinal decompression, fusion and fracture fixation
Surgery to release compressed nerves, join vertebrae or stabilise a broken spine, where indicated.
Decompression and fusion TreatmentSlip disc and sciatica treatment
Assessment and non-operative care for slipped disc and leg pain from a pinched nerve.
Slip disc treatment LocationMahavir Hospital, Athwa: OPD details
Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate: Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM.
Athwa clinic ServicesFull range of orthopaedic services
Arthroscopy, joint replacement, trauma, spine and more, all offered in Surat.
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