Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove the herniated nucleus pulposus from the spine, which causes lumbosciatic pain (lower back pain that can radiate to the lower limb). This type of surgery is indicated in patients who do not alleviate their pain with physiotherapy or with the use of anti-inflammatories and analgesics and who, in addition, lose strength in some segment of the lower limb as a result of the presence of the hernia. On this occasion, Dr. Alfonso Basurco, a neurosurgeon at Clinica Ricardo Palma, gives us more information about this procedure.

Procedure

It is performed with a video camera system incorporated in a 4 mm diameter instrument that enters up to the spine, with the advantage of not damaging any tissue, whether skin, subcutaneous fat, and muscle above the spine. The specialist performs the intervention by watching the video on a screen that magnifies the structures and, therefore, there is less chance of damaging them.

Preparation

The patient does not require any prior preparation.

Benefits

The benefits of these procedures are:

• Less damage to surrounding tissues
• Less operating time
• Less intraoperative bleeding
• Shorter hospital stay (1 day of hospitalization)

After surgery

The patient can walk from the first postoperative day. It is advisable not to make physical efforts for three weeks, approximately, and cleanliness should be normal in the operated area. It does not require additional care.

Dr. Alfonso Basurco
Neurosurgeon at Clínica Ricardo Palma