What to Know About Endoscopic Surgery

Back pain affects millions of people each year and can make everyday life difficult. When pain starts limiting your movement or preventing you from enjoying the things you love, it may be time to explore a more effective treatment.

At CORE Orthopedics, Dr. Joseph Krob offers endoscopic spine surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that helps patients find relief from back and neck pain without the long recovery times of traditional surgery.

Endoscopic spine surgery is a precise, modern approach that allows your doctor to treat the problem directly while protecting surrounding muscles and tissue. The goal is to reduce pain, restore movement, and help you return to normal activity quickly and safely.

What Is Endoscopic Surgery?

Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small incision and a specialized camera called an endoscope to access the spine. The endoscope gives the surgeon a clear view of the affected area, allowing for greater accuracy and less trauma to healthy tissue.

This procedure is different from digestive endoscopy such as a colonoscopy. Instead, it functions much like a small-scope orthopedic procedure, similar to what is used in knee or shoulder surgery, but focused on the spine.

During surgery, the doctor makes a tiny incision and uses the camera to guide instruments that remove or repair tissue causing pressure on spinal nerves. Because the incision is so small, there is minimal bleeding, less postoperative pain, and a faster recovery. Most patients go home the same day under general anesthesia.

What Does Endoscopic Spine Surgery Treat?

Endoscopic spine surgery is used to treat several common causes of back and neck pain, including:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Nerve compression
• Lumbar or cervical disc herniation

These conditions often cause numbness, weakness, and radiating pain that can affect your quality of life. Endoscopic techniques allow your surgeon to relieve pressure on the nerves, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility with less disruption than open surgery.

How Should I Prepare for Endoscopic Surgery?

The days and weeks leading up to any procedure are stressful because you never quite know what will happen afterwards. 

However, please note that with endoscopic surgery, or any procedure performed by CORE Orthopedics, our healthcare team works closely with you to ensure you feel safe and prepared on the day of surgery.

Based on the type of endoscopic surgery and your medical history, the CORE Orthopedics team provides detailed instructions on how to prepare best, what you might need at home, and a glimpse into what recovery might look like.

You will likely need to fast before the procedure, and be sure to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. This is important because certain medications may make your surgery more difficult or even cause serious harm.

Plan to wear loose, comfortable clothes on the day of your procedure.

Also, don’t forget to arrange for a ride home, as you won’t be able to drive yourself.

Never hesitate to ask your doctors or surgical team any questions you might have, as they are the most knowledgeable about your condition and procedure.

What Should I Expect During Endoscopic Surgery?

On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive at the surgical center and meet your care team. They’ll review your plan, answer any last-minute questions, and make sure you’re comfortable before surgery begins.

During surgery, Dr. Krob uses the endoscope’s live camera feed to locate the affected area and carefully remove the tissue or disc material that is causing pain.

Because this technique is minimally invasive, there’s not very much bleeding or disruption to the muscles and surrounding tissue. Once the issue has been treated, the instruments and endoscope are removed, and the small incision is closed with a stitch or two.

The focus is on precision and preservation, ensuring healthy structures remain untouched.

What Does Recovery After Endoscopic Spine Surgery Look Like?

Once your surgery is complete, you’ll be taken to a recovery area.

The timelines for your recovery depend on several factors, including the type of surgery, your medical history, and the post-surgery treatments.

Since most endoscopic surgeries are outpatient procedures, you’ll likely be able to go home the same day.

Before you leave, your doctor will provide you with specific instructions for your at-home recovery. Follow these instructions, including any post-surgery stretching exercises, appointments, and physical therapy sessions.

Because endoscopic surgery is less painful with a quicker recovery, you’ll often be able to return to the activities you love sooner than you would with traditional surgery.

Struggling with Back Pain? Call CORE Orthopedics Today.

At CORE Orthopedics, patient care comes first. Our team combines advanced technology with compassionate expertise to help each patient find the most effective solution for their pain. Endoscopic spine surgery offers a new level of precision and comfort for people seeking lasting relief from back or neck pain.

Contact CORE Orthopedics to schedule an appointment today.