Endoscopic surgery uses a narrow camera and instruments passed through a small incision.
Who might it help?
It may be considered when symptoms and an MRI show a suitable cause of nerve-related leg pain. Not every disc prolapse or area of narrowing can be treated this way. The main goal is relief of leg symptoms, and it is not guaranteed to resolve associated lower back pain.
What happens?
Under general anaesthetic, the correct spinal level is checked using imaging. A narrow tube is placed towards the spine. The camera lets Professor Bateman see the nerve and remove disc, ligament or other tissue pressing on it. If safe access or adequate decompression is difficult, the operation may need to be changed to a more conventional approach.
Benefits and risks
A smaller incision may mean less disruption to surrounding tissue, but there can be individual differences in recovery. Risks include persistent symptoms, infection, bleeding, nerve injury, a tear in the covering around the nerves, a fluid leak and later recurrence or further narrowing.
Choosing an approach
Professor Bateman can explain how endoscopic surgery compares with microdiscectomy, standard decompression and continued non-surgical care for your particular situation.
Detailed patient leaflet
Read Professor Bateman’s information leaflet before your procedure and bring any questions to your consultation.
Open the PDF leaflet →