Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy is the ultimate form of minimal invasive spine surgery. In this form of surgery, an instrument called endoscope is used. Whole surgery is done under local anesthesia and patient is fully awake during surgery. In fact for successful surgery patients active participation is necessary.

Patient is made to lie prone on operation table and exact entry point is mapped on patients body using image intensifier x-ray system. A long spinal needle is passed from side of back which goes into disc directly by-passing other bone and ligaments. Through this needle guide wire is passed and after taking 5mm incision, dilator and working cannula are passed under local anesthesia., through which endoscope is passed. Camera and monitor is attached to endoscope and prolapsed part of disc is removed under vision. Wound is closed with single stitch. Patient gets immediate pain relief and he can go home in 24 hrs and can resume his work soon.

Advantages:-

• Surgery done under local anesthesia with conscious sedation
• 5 mm skin incision
• Endoscope used for surgery
• No muscle, ligament or normal tissue damage
• Targeted fragmentectomy. (directly prolapsed disc tissue removed.)
• Minimal blood loss
• Patient can be discharged in 24 Hrs.
• No prolonged bed rest required after surgery. Can resume work sooner.
• Even prolapsed, migrated, extra-foraminal, recurrent discs can be removed. Very good technique for old and medically compromised patients.

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