Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally-invasive way to treat a number of spine conditions – without the pain, recovery period, and lengthy incision associated with traditional open back surgery.

THE BENEFITS OF AN ENDOSCOPIC APPROACH

Rapid recovery + no hospital stay
Less pain than traditional spine surgery
Minimally-invasive, one-hour procedure
Reduced pain and blood loss
Small incisions
Less trauma to the surrounding tissue

WHAT IS ENDOSCOPIC SPINE SURGERY?

With traditional spine surgery, the back muscles must be cut and moved aside before your condition can be treated. The technique involves a lengthy incision and can potentially injure the soft tissues surrounding the spine.

Endoscopic spine surgery involves one very small incision in the skin. Through that opening, our surgeons will insert an endoscope attached to a camera that allows us to visualize the surgical site without completely opening up the back. The procedure is then completed inside a tube using tiny surgical tools. Without the lengthy incision and trauma to the back muscles, the patient enjoys less pain, minimal blood loss, and a much quicker recovery period.

WHAT SPINE CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH AN ENDOSCOPIC APPROACH?

Bone spurs
Bulging and herniated discs
Facet joint disease
Spondylolisthesis
Spinal stenosis
Scoliosis

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Visit one of our New York locations.

THE PROCEDURES

At Long Island Spine Specialists, there are two endoscopic procedures that we perform quite often for our Long Island patients: posterolateral endoscopic discectomy and endoscopic laminotomy.

Here’s an overview of these surgeries:

Posterolateral endoscopic discectomy

This is a very common endoscopic spinal surgery that is done to remove herniated disc material that is causing back and neck pain. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes and you will be free to return home the same day to begin your recovery period.

To begin this procedure, we will insert a small tube through a tiny incision in the back until it reaches the spine for direct visualization. We will then insert surgical tools through the tube and extract the herniated disc material. In some cases, we may also use a laser to deaden the nerves inside the disc, ensuring lasting pain relief.

Endoscopic laminotomy

This procedure is a minimally-invasive alternative to the traditional laminotomy. It’s a decompressive surgical solution that is done to treat spinal stenosis.

To begin, we will insert a fine needle under X-ray guidance until it reaches the spine. We will then make a small, 1-inch incision around the needle and pass tubes and an endoscope into the back so that we can remove anything that’s compressing the nerve roots – including bone, bone spurs, ligaments, and disc material. This relieves spinal stenosis by creating more space within the spinal column.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY PROVIDERS

Spine Surgeons

Dr. Thomas Dowling

Dr. Laurence Mermelstein

Dr. Hargovind DeWal

Dr. Sushil Basra

Dr. Christopher Frendo

Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.

Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.

Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.