What is Micro-endoscopic discectomy?
Micro-endoscopic discectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure to remove herniated disc material. Using local anesthesia and a magnified video for guidance, a small, specially designed probe called an endoscope is inserted between the vertebrae and into the herniated disc space through the skin of the back. Tiny surgical attachments are then sent down the hollow center of the probe to remove a portion of the offending disc. These microsurgical attachments can also be used to push the bulging disc back into place and for the removal of disc fragments and small bone spurs. Micro-endoscopic discectomy is different from open lumbar disc surgery because there is no traumatic back muscle dissection, no bone removal, and no large skin incision. This procedure was invented to be an effective treatment for herniated discs while minimizing risks associated with surgery.
