Minimally invasive disc surgery - a success story with continuation

Back pain has been a widespread disease in Germany for a long time. Incorrect posture at work, lack of exercise or overloading of the intervertebral discs are the most common causes. If these natural "shock absorbers" in the spine are successively compressed and, in the worst case, even burst their own shell, this is referred to as a herniated disc.

Minimally invasive - today's intervertebral disc surgery

The minimally invasive endoscopic disc surgery is probably the most gentle surgical method for patients with disc problems. We know of three different methods in this regard. The first to be mentioned here is the microsurgical disc surgery, second the minimally invasive endoscopic posterior disc surgery and third the minimally invasive percutaneous endoscopic disc surgery from the side.

In general, it depends on the experience of the surgeon whether or not an intervertebral disc operation can be performed minimally invasively. There are still many clinics that do not operate on their patients endoscopically. The endoscopic and therefore modern method offers many advantages.

Minimally invasive vs. conventional disc surgery

If intervertebral disc operations are not performed endoscopically, but in a conventional manner, the affected intervertebral disc is removed under general anesthesia through the classic posterior approach. Depending on the diagnosis, either the spine is then stiffened or an artificial disc is implanted. If, on the other hand, the spinal disc surgery is performed minimally invasively by renowned specialists, the effort is significantly lower, healing can take place much more quickly and the patient hardly feels any pain afterwards.

If experienced surgeons perform an endoscopic disc operation, local anesthesia of the patient is sufficient in most cases. It is worth mentioning here that general anesthesia is a considerably greater burden on the human body than local anesthesia. The latter is gentler on the cardiovascular system and last but not least on the area to be operated on. Only a tiny skin incision is required to introduce the necessary surgical endoscope. Another advantage: Smaller cuts heal faster and are hardly noticeable later.

- Minimally invasive microsurgical disc surgery

With this surgical method, optical aids (surgical microscope) are used, with which the surgeon can see the area to be operated on in a greatly enlarged manner. Access is usually via a rear skin incision of approx. 5 to 8 cm. In addition, part of the back musculature is then detached from the bone and the bone protecting the spinal canal is also removed with milling and punching in order to access the herniated disc.

- Percutaneous intervertebral disc surgery (minimally invasive)

The term "percutaneous" means "through the skin". This means that the surgeon uses a special puncture cannula, which is also inserted percutaneously into the spinal canal from behind, as in the microsurgical variant. The tube is located in front of the herniated disc so that the other instruments can be inserted through it. Unfortunately, the protective bone has to be partially removed here as well. It is not uncommon for injuries to the nerve tube to occur, sometimes with not inconsiderable complications.

- Endoscopic disc surgery (minimally invasive)

In our clinic we use the innovative endoscopic procedure. This is the gentlest way to treat a herniated disc in a minimally invasive manner. Our renowned specialists use the intervertebral foramen (lateral nerve exit hole) for this purpose. In addition, a usually additional narrowing can be expanded at the same time in order to reach the herniated disc more easily. Thanks to the tube and the latest endoscopic techniques, there is no need to hold nerves to one side. This is also of decisive advantage for the patient. Because injuries are practically impossible! In almost 10,000 endoscopic disc operations, this has NEVER resulted in a nerve injury.

Regardless of whether it is in the area of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine - percutaneous endoscopic disc surgery can be performed under local anesthesia. Immediately after the operation, the surgeon can see whether the operation was successful.

Get individual advice

It is advisable to trust the experienced team of experts when it comes to minimally invasive disc surgery. Our friendly team of experts will be happy to provide you with help and advice on all questions relating to surgical interventions on the spine.