Spine Services

Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

Endoscopic lumbar discectomy, also called percutaneous lumbar discectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes herniated disc material from the lower back. University Hospitals Spine Institute is the only health system in Northeast Ohio to offer this ultra-minimally invasive procedure, which effectively relieves back pain while restoring normal disc function.

Call to Schedule an Appointment Today

To find out if endoscopic lumbar discectomy is an option for you, call 440-816-2860 to schedule an appointment with a University Hospitals spinal surgery expert.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Spinal discs are the cushioning structures located between each of your spine’s 33 vertebrae – the bones that stack on top of one another to protect your spinal cord. The discs act as shock absorbers and allow your spine to flex, bend and twist. At the center of each disc is a soft, jellylike center called a nucleus. The nucleus is encased in a tough, rubbery ring called an annulus.

A herniated disc, also called a slipped disc or prolapsed disc, is when a portion of a disc’s nucleus leaks through a tear in the annulus to press on a nerve or the spinal cord. This can occur in any part of the spine but happens most often in the lower back (lumbar region).

Every year, approximately two to three percent of the U.S. population experiences a herniated disc. The condition happens most often in people ages 30 to 50. Men are twice as likely to get a herniated disc as women.

Who Might Be a Candidate for Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy?

Depending on the location of the herniated disk, it may cause pain, numbness and weakness in the back, neck or legs. However, many people with a herniated disk do not have any symptoms. Herniated disks often heal on their own within six to 12 weeks, even in people with symptoms. Surgery is typically not needed.

Initial treatment for a herniated disc is usually some combination of pain medication, physical therapy or epidural steroid injections (nerve blockers). If those treatments do not improve your symptoms, you may be a candidate for an endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

Learn how University Hospitals offers endoscopic spine surgery for patients needing treatment for back pain due to herniated discs in their spine.

What Is Endoscopic Surgery of the Spine?

Endoscopic surgery is performed through a small incision, usually less than 1 centimeter in length. The surgeon inserts a thin tube (cannula) through the incision to access the surgical site. In endoscopic spine surgery, the surgeon guides a special endoscope (a small camera fitted with a light) through the cannula to the surgical site in the spine. Other tiny surgical instruments are also delivered to the surgical site through the cannula to perform the procedure.

How Does Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Differ From Open Surgery?

Traditional (or open) lumbar discectomy uses an incision that is 3 to 4 times larger than the one made in an endoscopic lumbar discectomy. This larger incision requires the surgeon to dissect and often damage the paraspinal muscles – the muscles that allow you to lean side to side and bend, arch and twist your torso.

In contrast, endoscopic spine surgery uses specialized instruments that allow your surgeon to view the surgical site and operate without the need for any large incisions. This minimizes possible damage to the paraspinal muscles and other surrounding soft tissues. It also reduces the need to remove bone.