Thomas Hoogland MD Explains Endoscopic Discectomy Surgical Procedure

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. The benefits of endoscopic surgery are threefold. Since the size of the incisions are smaller, the recovery from surgery is much quicker. There is also less pain and less damage to the surrounding tissues. Endoscopic techniques have been used for several decades, but these were exclusively for diagnostic purposes. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, endoscopic techniques were advanced so that both a diagnosis could be made and the disease could be treated. These same endoscopic techniques used in other surgical disciplines have now been advanced to the treatment of spinal disorders. In certain cases of degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal column tumors, infection, fractures and herniated discs, endoscopic techniques may speed recovery, minimize post-operative pain and improve the final outcome. Video borrowed from MaxMore Spine (dr. Thomas Hoogland).