Microscopic / Endoscopic Disc Surgeries

Microscopic / Endoscopic Discectomy Surgery in Delhi

The Microscopic/Endoscopic Disc Surgery Unit at the BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital is a dedicated unit known for providing the best spinal care. We at the unit treat thousands of patients each year, integrating latest treatment interventions and medical advancements.

Our specialists hold expertise in treating complex cases related to a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease of the spine. The unit is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. With an aim to deliver advanced patient care, we follow a multidisciplinary treatment approach that is centred around the medical needs of our patients. We strive to offer all our patients with the highest quality of care.

What Is Microscopic/Endoscopic Disc Surgery?

Discectomy is a common type of spine surgical procedure used to remove abnormal disc material that presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord. It is a damaged portion of a herniated disc material that is causing pain in the lower back and legs (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), or neck and arms (cervical). There are two types of minimally invasive discectomy:

Microscopic Disc Surgery: It is a minimally invasive spine operation that is done using an external operating device called a microscope. It helps in treating ruptured or herniated discs of the lumbar spine. It requires small incisions as compared to open surgery and does not cause the post-laminectomy syndrome.
Endoscopic Disc Surgery: Also known as Nano Endoscopic Discectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure is done using an external operating device called an endoscope. It requires small incisions as compared to open surgery and does not cause the post-laminectomy syndrome.

What Are The Indicators For Discectomy?

The major indicators which reflect the need for Discectomy are

Pain that occurs in
- Buttocks, legs, and feet — called sciatica
- Near or over the shoulder blade
- Radiates to the shoulder, arm (sometimes to the hand and fingers)
- Persistent neck pain (especially in the back and on the sides of the neck)
Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet
Muscle weakness
Spasm of the neck muscles

What The Conditions We Treat Under Endoscopic Disc Surgery?

Some of the major conditions we treat include:
Lumbar Discectomy

Herniated Disc
Disc Tear
Disc Bulge
Radiculitis
Radiculopathy

Cervical Discectomy

Brachial Neuritis
Cervical Herniated Disc
Cervical Disc Tear
Cervical Disc Bulge

Are You A Candidate For Discectomy?

A doctor will evaluate the patient for the current medical condition with the help of diagnostic tests results and will customise a treatment plan accordingly. However, the chance of a patient increases if a patient experiences:

Recurring pain, numbness or weakness in
- Buttock
- Groin
- Low back
- Leg
Loss of feeling in the genital area
Loss of bladder or bowel control (caudaequina syndrome)
Symptomatic Bulging Discs that do not respond to conservative treatments such as
Bed rest
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Muscle relaxants

What Are The Various Diagnostic Procedures Required Before Endoscopic Disc Surgery?

Some of the diagnostic tests that your doctor might as you take in order to evaluate your current medical condition involved:

Physical examination:
- Reflexes
- Muscle strength
- Range of motion
- Sensitivity to touch
- Walking ability
Possibility of tender regions in the back
X-ray
MRI
CT
Electromyelogram (EMG)
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

What Are The Procedures For Discectomy?

The division of Discectomy a BLK-Max is known to perform two types of Discectomy

Microscopic Discectomy (with the use of a microscope)
Endoscopic Discectomy (with the use of an endoscope)

Preoperative Details - Before proceeding with the surgery, the doctors have to make sure that the patient is fit for the procedure. The patient has to undertake certain tests and screening process for the evaluation purpose. The doctor may prescribe certain medications to the patient, a week, or two before the surgery, to avoid any sort of infection during or after the surgery.

A patient will receive general anaesthesia before moving to the operation theatre and will sleep through the surgical procedure.

Operative Details

Step 1: The doctor will make a few small incisions in the affected area.
Step 2: A thin telescope-like instrument (microscope/endoscope) is inserted through small incisions in the spine, between the vertebrae and into the herniated disc space. The instrument has a tiny video camera – smaller than a dime attached to its top, which projects the inside view of the patient’s body on a monitor. These images help the doctor to perform complex operations easily.
Step 3: The doctor then passes small surgical tools or robotic arms (during robotic-assisted surgery) through a small metal tube is inserted to the spine in order to remove a portion of the offending disc. At times these microsurgical tools help in pushing the bulging disc back into place and be used for the removal of disc fragments and small bony spurs.
Step 4: The doctor closes incisions with sutures and covers them with surgical tape.

Postoperative Details - After the operation, the patient has to get admitted in the recovery room for monitoring purposes, from where the doctor transfers him/her to the ICU. The patient has to stay in an ICU for a day or two after and is then asked to shift to a normal ward, where he/she has to stay until he/she gets fit for discharge.

What Are The Precautions One Must Take After The Discectomy?

The important precautionary measures one must consider after the treatment are:

Do not lift anything heavier or drive a vehicle for around 3 weeks after the surgery
Avoid bending, lifting or twisting your back
No strenuous activity such as yard work or housework
Do not indulge in sexual activities
Do not drink alcohol or smoke
Eat a healthy diet
Take all your medicines on time
Visit your doctor often for check-ups

What Are The Benefits Of Minimally Invasive Discectomy?

The minimally invasive spine surgery includes the following advantages:

Small incision
Minimal scar tissue formation
Short recovery
High Success rate
Minimal blood loss
Preservation of spinal mobility
Local Anaesthesia
Less hospital stay
Same-day surgery

Are There Any Complications Involved?

Some of the risk factors associated with minimally invasive Discectomy include:

Bleeding
Infection
Blood clots
Reactions to anaesthesia
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (caused due to blood clots inside the leg veins)
Lung problems
Leaking spinal fluid
Nerve damage
Persistent pain

These risk factors are very mild and usually reversible with adjustments in stimulation or with the help of some medication. However, if the patient experiences these symptoms for a longer duration then he must see a doctor immediately.