**Endoscopic Discectomy**

An Endoscopic Discectomy is the surgical removal of intervertebral disc with an endoscope (a device consisting of tube and Optical System for observing the inside of hollow organ or space). An endoscopic discectomy may be done through a small puncture opening.

Endoscopic Discectomy is an OPD surgical procedure to remove herniated disc material. Using local anesthesia with the help of XRay fluoroscopy and magnified video for guidance, a small specially designed endoscopic probe is inserted between the Vertebra and into Herniated disc space through 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. Sometimes, the microsurgical attachments can be used to push the bulging disc back into place and be used for the removal of disc fragments and small burn spurs.

On average, the procedure takes about an hour. XRay exposure is minimal. You normally will feel little, if any pain or discomfort. Upon completion, the probe is removed and a small Band-Aid is placed over the incision. The amount of nucleus tissue removed varies and the supporting structure of the disc is not affected by surgery.

An Endoscopic Discectomy is different from an open disc surgery, because there is no traumatic muscle dissection, no bone removal and no large skin incision. The risk of complications from scarring, blood loss, infection and anesthesia that may occur with conventional surgery are drastically reduced and eliminated with this procedure. Endoscopic Discectomy was invented to be an effective treatment for herniated disc while avoiding these risks. Endoscopic discectomy is truely a minimally invasive procedure.