The endoscope put an end to the mostly open abdominal surgery years ago. Long hospital stays after surgery in the past are now largely replaced by day surgery, small incisions and a rapid recovery period.
An endoscope is an instrument used to examine the inside of a hollow organ or body cavity. Unlike most other medical imaging devices, endoscopes are inserted directly into the body or organ. Surgeons have tried to use endoscopes in spine surgery. However, they encountered difficulties and the use of the endoscope in spine surgery was delayed due to the introduction of the microscope in surgery.
The development of the epidural steroid technique applied to the nerve root transforaminally showed that lateral access to the spinal canal could be made. This improvement meant that we could reach the vertebrae with the protruding portion of the disc with this technique.
The advantages of endoscopic use in the spine are that the incision site is less than one centimeter, no muscle incision, no need for general anesthesia, and patients can go home the same day or the next day.
The use of endoscopes has certainly opened up important opportunities for us. When applied correctly, this treatment can provide significant benefits in patients.
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