Indications and current techniques of endoscopic cervical discectomy

Endoscopic cervical discectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that helps relieve pain from herniated discs in the neck. This procedure requires advanced methods to focus on specific areas, which leads to quicker recovery and less discomfort.

Eligible candidates for endoscopic cervical discectomy

If you experience the following conditions, you may be an eligible candidate for endoscopic cervical discectomy. If you feel you are a potential candidate, visiting your doctor will help them make a final decision on whether you should proceed with the procedure or not.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Candidates who are suitable for this procedure usually have:

• Chronic neck pain: Ongoing pain that doesn’t get better with non-surgical treatments.
• Radiculopathy: Nerve pain that extends from the neck into the arms.
• Myelopathy: Compression of the spinal cord leading to weakness or numbness.

To confirm the issues, doctors use detailed MRI or CT scans to show if there is disc herniation or nerve compression.

Previous treatment attempts

Candidates who have tried non-surgical treatments, such as:

• Physical therapy: A series of exercises to help improve strength and flexibility.
• Medications: Use of anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants.
• Epidural steroid injections: Used to reduce swelling around the nerves.

Health condition and age

Typically, suitable candidates should be:

Medically stable: Capable of undergoing surgery without major risks.

• Generally healthy: Candidates should be generally healthy and free from significant health issues that could complicate anesthesia or recovery. Preferred individuals are non-smokers and do not have serious conditions like osteoporosis or heart conditions.
• Younger adults: Generally under 65 years old, since older individuals may have additional health issues.

Technical for performing endoscopic cervical discectomy

Performing endoscopic cervical discectomy requires careful precision, advanced technology, and skilled surgeons and often consists of the following steps:

Preoperative preparation

• Patient assessment: A thorough evaluation that includes reviewing the medical history, conducting a physical examination, and taking imaging tests.
• Anesthesia planning: This endoscopic therapy is usually done under general anesthesia, but sometimes local anesthesia may be used.
• Surgical planning: Determining the exact entry point and method based on the imaging results.

Surgical procedure

• Patient positioning: The patient lies on their back on the operating table, with their neck slightly extended for easier access to the cervical disc.
• Creating an entry point: A small incision, typically less than an inch long, is made on the side of the neck to reduce damage to surrounding tissues.
• Insertion of endoscope: An endoscope with a camera and light is inserted through the incision, providing a magnified view of the area on a monitor.
• Navigating to the disc: The surgeon uses specialized tools to carefully navigate to the herniated disc, gently retracting nearby tissues to avoid harming nerves.
• Removing the herniated disc material: The herniated part of the disc is carefully removed to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. This step requires careful precision to ensure only the necessary disc material is taken out.
• Closure: The endoscope is removed, and the small cut is closed with stitches or surgical glue.

Post-surgical care

• Recovery monitoring: After the endoscopic discectomy, patients are observed in a recovery room, to check for any immediate complications.
• Pain management: Medication is prescribed to help reduce any pain or discomfort following the procedure.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy may be suggested to support recovery and strengthen the neck muscles.

Endoscopic cervical discectomy is an effective way to help patients reduce pain without taking too much recovery time. However, the procedure requires advanced technology and highly qualified doctors. For detailed advice on examination procedures related to this issue, please contact us with any queries you may have.