Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional open spine surgery typically requires longer incisions (2-5 inches or more), stripping and cutting back muscles from the spine, and removing significant amounts of bone (laminectomy). Endoscopic surgery enters through a sub-centimeter portal, dilating muscle fibers naturally, causing significantly less tissue trauma, less blood loss, and enabling a quicker return to daily life.

Endoscopic spine surgery is considered for patients with MRI-confirmed spinal conditions such as herniated discs (sciatica), spinal canal stenosis, or foraminal narrowing whose symptoms have not improved with structured non-surgical treatments (medications, physical therapy, injections) or who have progressive neurological symptoms like foot drop or leg weakness.

No. While endoscopic techniques have expanded significantly, conditions involving severe spinal instability, multi-level severe deformities (scoliosis/kyphosis), active spinal infections, or certain spinal fractures may require traditional open or instrumented stabilization techniques. An individualized clinical assessment by a spine specialist is essential.

Depending on the specific procedure (transforaminal vs. interlaminar), patient anatomy, and health status, endoscopic surgery may be performed under local anesthesia with conscious sedation or light general anesthesia.

Because the incision is typically between 7 and 10 millimeters (smaller than a postage stamp or coin), postoperative scarring is minimal and often heals into a faint line that is barely noticeable over time.