Endoscopic
Decompression
Camera-guided removal of bone and thickened tissue compressing spinal nerves — without large incisions.
Endoscopic Decompression
The same nerve relief as open laminectomy — through a significantly smaller surgical footprint.
Minimal muscle damage. Less post-operative pain than open surgery. Most patients mobile the same day. Equivalent decompression outcomes for appropriate stenosis cases.
What Is It?
Endoscopic decompression uses a camera-guided approach to remove the bone, thickened ligament, and other tissue compressing the spinal nerves — achieving the same decompressive result as open laminectomy but through much smaller access. It is used primarily for lumbar spinal stenosis and lateral recess stenosis. Two techniques are used: uniportal (single entry point) and biportal (two small ports — one for the camera, one for instruments).
Before Surgery
MRI and CT reviewed to confirm the pattern of stenosis and suitability for endoscopic approach. Central stenosis, lateral recess stenosis, and foraminal stenosis each have specific technique requirements. Standard pre-operative clearance and fasting.
During Surgery
General anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia. One or two small incisions depending on technique. Under endoscopic visualisation, bone and thickened ligamentum flavum are carefully removed to decompress the affected nerve roots. Bilateral decompression can be achieved through a unilateral approach. Typically 60–120 minutes.
After Surgery
Hospital stay: one to two days. Significantly less post-operative back soreness than open laminectomy due to minimal muscle disruption. Walking the same day. Leg heaviness and cramping from nerve compression begins improving progressively.
Recovery
Desk work: three to five weeks. Return to physical activity: six to ten weeks. Nerve symptom recovery — leg pain, cramping, walking tolerance — continues to improve progressively over weeks to months. Equivalent long-term outcomes to open decompression for appropriate cases.
Dr. Viswanath's Approach
Endoscopic decompression is offered for suitable stenosis patterns where the endoscopic approach provides a meaningful advantage — primarily in patients where minimising muscle trauma and recovery time is a priority. Open laminectomy remains the standard for complex multi-level stenosis or where simultaneous fusion is required.
Could endoscopic decompression
help your stenosis?
A consultation and imaging review will confirm whether this approach is appropriate for your pattern of compression.