The spine is a complex structure, composed of bones, ligaments, and thick cartilage discs that allow for standing and protect the spinal cord that runs through it.

However, the canal through which the spinal cord runs can narrow, causing chronic pain and, in severe cases, nerve damage. This is known as spinal stenosis and is treatable.

Spinal canal stenosis can be treated surgically using high-tech techniques, such as the one we will discuss in this article: endoscopic surgery.

Endoscopic spinal surgery, indicated for spinal canal stenosis, aims to open the central canal with the help of an optician inserted into the spine, which will help us visualize its structure.

What is endoscopic surgery?

It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows for the treatment of not only spinal canal stenosis but also other problems associated with this area, such as common lumbar disc herniations.

Endoscopic spinal surgery improves the condition of patients with spinal cord stenosis in a fast, safe, effective, and completely painless manner.

The maneuverability of the medical equipment, its delicate precision, and the surgeon's experience make this technique so special. Patients can feel confident that their health problem will be resolved with minimal damage to skin, connective tissue, and nerves, unlike traditional surgery, which carries greater risks.

How to prepare for endoscopic surgery?

First and foremost, a medical evaluation of spinal canal stenosis with imaging studies, such as an MRI, is key. This will allow the treating physician not only to determine the extent of the narrowing but also to plan surgical techniques to address the problem.

The patient will likely also undergo a pre-anesthetic evaluation to ensure that there is no risk of hypersensitivity.

On the day of surgery, it is recommended that the patient arrive a couple of hours before surgery to prepare for it. After surgery, about eight to twelve hours later, the patient can return home wearing only a lumbar support belt with upper reinforcement to protect the small surgical wounds.

Also, after the procedure, the patient must rest for a few days, avoiding strenuous physical activities such as running, jumping, playing sports, or lifting heavy objects.

What does the surgeon do?

The goal of this surgical technique is to minimize tissue damage to ensure a rapid recovery without scarring or the need for rehabilitation, and with minimal risk of infection or bleeding, as is the case with conventional surgery.

To do this, the surgeon makes very small incisions, less than a centimeter, through which the necessary surgical instruments can be introduced.

This instrument consists of a flexible cannula with a camera at its end through which the surgeon views the surgical site in real time on a monitor, as well as the surgical tools themselves, such as scalpels, separators, and forceps.

Video with an animated explanation of endoscopic surgery for spinal canal stenosis

¿Qué otras utilidades médicas tiene esta técnica?

In addition to treating spinal cord stenosis, endoscopic spinal surgery has shown excellent results as a definitive therapy for problems such as herniated discs.

The latter are increasingly common and more disabling for thousands of patients around the world, especially those with a genetic predisposition, osteoarthritis, poor postural habits, and sports injuries.