What to Know About Endoscopic Surgery

The idea of any type of surgery is daunting and stressful. However, at CORE Orthopedics, we prioritize providing you with pain relief as quickly and safely as possible.

At CORE Orthopedics, Dr. Joseph Krob, specializes in endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery, helping patients find relief from back and neck pain.

Endoscopic surgery is one of the safest, fastest forms of treatment for back pain. This guide will help you navigate the process of endoscopic surgery from start to finish. However, if you have specific questions, please call CORE Orthopedics today.

What Is Endoscopic Surgery?

Endoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope that allows doctors to see what’s happening inside your body, and perform minor procedures (gathering tissue samples or removing growths, for example).

Depending on the procedure, the endoscope is inserted either through the mouth, nose, rectum, or through a small, dime-sized incision.

What’s great about endoscopic surgery is that the doctor gets a clear view of what’s happening in your body without the need for a large incision.

Surgeons perform entire procedures with minimal disruption to your body.

That means less pain, reduced risk of infections, and a faster recovery time.

For spine patients, this includes minimally invasive decompression and fusion techniques, allowing surgeons like Dr. Krob to relieve nerve compression and stabilize the spine through tiny incisions.

What Does Endoscopic Spine Surgery Treat?

As endoscopic surgery gains popularity, doctors are finding new treatments to help patients live their best lives with minimal interruption.

For orthopedic surgeons, endoscopic surgery is used to treat:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal Stenosis
• Lumbar and Cervical Discectomy

For these endoscopic surgeries, access is provided through tiny incisions in the spine that help reduce tissue damage, lessen muscle disruption, and speed up recovery.

We’ve found that endoscopic surgery allows our patients to achieve pain relief more quickly and safely than ever before.

How Should I Prepare For Endoscopic Spine 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 Happens During Endoscopic Surgery?

On the day of your procedure, you will be taken to the surgical suite. If you have any last-minute questions, ask them here.

The first step is usually anesthesia or a sedative, but this all depends on the complexity and type of procedure.

After you are comfortable, the surgeon inserts the endoscope and any necessary instruments into the entry point.

The endoscope’s camera projects a live image onto a monitor, which the surgeon uses to see the surgical area. From there, the surgeon will work through your procedure.

On the day of the procedure, you’ll be taken to a surgical suite. The first step is typically the administration of sedation or anesthesia to keep you comfortable. 

This may involve a light sedative to make you relaxed and drowsy, or a general anesthetic that puts you completely to sleep. The choice of anesthesia depends on the type and complexity of the surgery.

The entire process is designed to be as non-invasive as possible, reducing trauma to your body and helping you to recover more quickly.

As for time, this depends on the procedure and, on occasion, what the doctor finds when they look inside with the endoscope.

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.

Don’t let back pain hold you back from the life you deserve. Call CORE Orthopedics today, and one of our specialists will help you get back to doing the activities you love the most. Whether it’s physical therapy or endoscopic surgery, our team is here to help.

Contact CORE Orthopedics to schedule an appointment today.