Endoscopic spinal surgery (ESS) is a surgical procedure using micro-sized incisions and minute tubular systems in combination with an endoscope to visualize the surgical field. While endoscopic surgical approaches are commonly used in other areas of the body (eg, gastrointestinal tract), advances in optics, visualization of tissues, and spinal imaging has brought ESS to the forefront as a surgical treatment option for many patients.
ESS is an advanced, state-of-the-art form of minimally-invasive surgery designed to provide the patient a quicker recovery time and less pain than traditional spine surgery techniques. ESS also can help preserve normal range of spine mobility post-operatively. Endoscopic spine surgery should not be confused with traditional procedures such as "microsurgery", or "laser spine surgery".
In the experienced hands of a spine surgeon who regularly performs endoscopic spine surgery using tubular retractors and the endoscope, the surgery can reduce the need to cut through soft tissues, with resultant less blood loss and faster recovery and healing. Many patients who are candidates for ESS have been diagnosed with common types of spinal disorders such as disc herniation, facet arthropathy, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.
At Progressive Spine and Orthopaedics, our spine surgeons have trained extensively with endoscopes and offer these ground-breaking procedures for our patients that have failed all conservative and less-invasive measures. Call us today to schedule an evaluation by our experts to see if you are a candidate for ESS!