Endoscopic
Discectomy
Removal of herniated disc material through a camera-guided incision smaller than one centimetre.
Endoscopic Discectomy
The most minimally invasive form of disc surgery — precise, targeted, and through the smallest possible access.
Incision under 1cm. Often same-day discharge. Back to a desk in two to three weeks. Outcomes equivalent to microdiscectomy for the right candidates.
What Is It?
Endoscopic discectomy uses a small camera — an endoscope — inserted through an incision of under one centimetre to visualise and remove the herniated disc fragment pressing on the nerve root. It achieves the same decompressive goal as microdiscectomy with the smallest possible footprint. Two main approaches exist: transforaminal (through the side) and interlaminar (through the midline), chosen based on disc level and anatomy.
Before Surgery
MRI review to confirm candidacy — disc level, fragment location, and anatomy determine suitability. Not all herniations are appropriate for the endoscopic approach. Standard pre-operative fasting. Local or light sedation is used rather than full general anaesthesia in most cases.
During Surgery
Local anaesthesia with sedation, or light general anaesthesia. An incision under one centimetre. The endoscope provides live visualisation. Instruments passed through the working channel precisely remove the offending fragment. Continuous saline irrigation maintains a clear operative field. Typically 45–75 minutes.
After Surgery
Most patients are discharged the same day or after one night. Significantly less post-operative back pain than open approaches. The leg or arm pain from nerve compression often improves within hours. Some numbness and tingling may persist for weeks as the nerve recovers.
Recovery
Activity restriction for two weeks. Desk work: two to three weeks. Physical activity: four to eight weeks. Outcomes are equivalent to standard microdiscectomy for appropriate cases — the difference is in the approach, not the result.
Dr. Viswanath's Approach
Endoscopic discectomy is offered selectively — for cases where anatomy and pathology are well-suited to the approach. Microdiscectomy remains the standard for most disc herniations. Patient selection is the determinant of technique. Not offered as a default or as a marketing differentiator.
Is endoscopic discectomy
right for you?
A consultation and MRI review will confirm whether you are a suitable candidate for this approach.