Spine endoscopy: what it is and how it is performed

Advances in medicine have made it possible to develop less invasive and more effective surgical techniques to treat complex spinal problems. These include: Spinal endoscopy is an advanced and innovative technique that offers numerous benefits for patients with spinal pathologies.. In many cases, it can be the solution to chronic injuries that negatively affect the patient's quality of life.

What is a spinal endoscopy?

Spinal endoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that has transformed the treatment of numerous vertebral pathologies. Through a small incision, an endoscope equipped with a high-definition camera and an advanced lighting system is introduced. This device allows the surgeon to visualize the internal structures of the spine in real time, identifying and treating injuries with great precision.

One of the main advantages of this technique is that it minimises damage to surrounding tissues, reducing post-operative pain and recovery time. Furthermore, as it is a less invasive procedure, associated complications, such as infections, are considerably reduced.

What pathologies can be treated through spinal endoscopy?

This technique is a highly effective tool for addressing various spinal pathologies, especially those that affect the patient's quality of life due to chronic pain or the limitations it generates. Among the most frequent conditions treated with endoscopy are: Lumbar or cervical disc herniation and spinal canal stenosisThese pathologies often generate pressure on the nerves, causing intense pain, loss of sensitivity or muscle weakness. Through surgery, it is possible to remove the herniated disc and replace it with an implant, relieving the constant pain that often significantly limits the lifestyle of patients.

In addition, spinal endoscopy also It is used for the extraction of tumors, cysts, and foreign bodies in the intervertebral canal.Another application of this innovative technique is the implantation of stem cells, a promising advance that promotes the regeneration of damaged tissues, accelerating recovery.

What is spinal endoscopy surgery like?

The Spinal endoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery, which has transformed the treatment of spinal pathologies. This approach significantly reduces the risks associated with traditional surgeries, while allowing for a faster and less painful recovery for the patient.

The procedure begins with a small incision in the skin, just one to three millimeters, through which an endoscope equipped with a high-resolution camera and specialized tools is introduced. This technology allows the surgeon to accurately visualize and treat the affected area. During the intervention, the necessary corrections are made according to the specific pathology, whether it is the removal of the herniated disk fragment, the elimination of nerve compressions or the stabilization of the spine using implants.

The surgery is relatively quick, with a Approximate duration: 90 minutes, and is usually performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.

What is the preoperative period for a spinal endoscopy like?

The preoperative process in spinal endoscopy is essential to ensure the success of the treatment and personalize the intervention according to the patient's needs. Before performing surgery, it must be confirmed that the symptoms have been present for at least six weeks and have not improved with conservative treatments.

The specialist will carry out a series of diagnostic tests to accurately identify the injury. The main studies include X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging, which allow the exact location of the problem to be observed and the state of the intervertebral discs and bone structures to be assessed. In addition, a neurophysiological study is carried out to assess the function of the nerves and rule out possible neurological complications.

What is recovery like after spinal endoscopy?

Recovery after a spinal endoscopy is characterized by being fast and with excellent results for most patients. Discharge from the hospital usually occurs on the same day as the procedure, a few hours after surgery. In some cases, depending on the characteristics of the patient or the complexity of the procedure, observation may be necessary,

Unlike traditional surgeries, this procedure does not require complete rest, so one week after the procedure, the patient can carry out his or her usual activities with caution and return to work. Normally, after three months, the patient can gradually resume sports activities.

Advantages of spinal endoscopy

Endoscopy of the spine has many advantages over conventional surgical techniques. Firstly, since it is performed through very small incisions, the damage to the tissues is less than in open surgery, which significantly reduces the risk of bleeding, infections and visible scars.

Another advantage is the short duration of the procedure and the rapid recovery, which allows the patient to return to their normal activities in a short time. Finally, as it is a less invasive procedure, postoperative complications are fewer, which increases the safety of this technique for a wide range of patients.

Where to perform a spinal endoscopy in Madrid

Doctor Elgeadi's team, has a team of traumatologists specialized in spinal endoscopy, in Madrid. Thanks to this innovative surgical technique, they comprehensively address a wide variety of spinal pathologies, providing effective and personalized solutions for each patient.

The objective of the Elgeadi Traumatology team, is for patients to regain their quality of life through minimally invasive interventions, avoiding the risks and long recovery times associated with traditional surgeries. This approach allows for a safer surgical experience, with a faster and less painful recovery.

As has been explained, Going to a professional and specialized traumatologist is essential to ensure adequate treatment.. In this way, the most appropriate treatment can be prescribed, allowing the patient to significantly improve their quality of life.