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Endoscopic Stenosis Decompression is a true state of the art minimally invasive procedure that will Open space around nerves in the spine that are being pinched (or squeezed). The bottom line is nerves need room, and if they do not have enough room then they cause pain, numbness, or weakness.

A needle is inserted through the skin and a camera is placed inside it along with micro surgical instruments, such as drills, grabbers, and electronic tools. These are used to remove herniated disc material, bone, and ligaments, that are squeezing nerves that is causing pain in the lower back and legs. Disc material can be removed from the spinal canal if you have a disc fragment. Under the guidance of real-time x-ray image (fluoroscopy) and a magnified live video feed, the surgery is performed. Other structures that are causing damage such a bone or ligaments can also be removed to stop the nerves from causing pain, numbness, or weakness.

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You may be a candidate for this procedure, if your symptoms include pain, numbness, or weakness of the back and/or legs which match and are confirmed by MRI, or CT Scan, that shows disc herniations, overgrown ligaments that cause stenosis that are pinching your nerves.

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Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure with very little blood loss, tissue damage or scar formation. It has a short recovery period with patients usually going home the same day.

Endoscopic Stenosis Decompression is generally a safe procedure. But as with any interventional procedure, it carries a small risk of potential complications such as bleeding, infection, spinal headache, and injury to blood vessels or nerves around the spine.

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As always, it is best to speak to your pain doctor to see if this procedure is right for your specific diagnosis.

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Endoscopic Stenosis Decompression - Post Operative Instructions

Incision Care: If there is a dressing, you may remove it on the morning after surgery BEFORE your shower. If Surgical Glue is used expect it will slowly peel off within 14 days. Please call us with any changes or concerns such as: redness, swelling or drainage at incision site, or temperature greater than 101°. (Clear liquid drainage in the first 24 hours is normal)

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Bathing: You may shower the morning or afternoon after surgery; avoid scrubbing the incision site for the first 3 days. No baths or swimming until approved by the physician or physician assistant at your follow up appointment.

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Restrictions:

For 2 weeks after surgery:

• No strenuous activity

• No lifting greater than 10lbs

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Exercise: Increase your light activity each day, such as walking, as tolerated.

Driving: You may drive 7 days after the procedure if you feel okay to do so. Do not drive if you are taking pain medications.

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Diet: Eat a healthy diet to promote healing.

Smoking: Avoid smoking. Smoking decreases the rate of bone and skin healing and also interferes with the effectiveness of pain medication.

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Follow-Up: You may experience soreness in your back for up to 2 weeks. You will have a post-operative appointment approximately 2 weeks after surgery.

Michigan Pain Specialists