Endoscopic Spine Surgery

What is endoscopic spine surgery?

Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which Dr. Shukairy uses small tools and an endoscope (small light tube with a camera) to complete minor spine surgery with minimal risks. Endoscopic spine surgery offers an array of benefits vs. traditional open surgery and is highly effective for reducing neck pain, back pain, and other troublesome symptoms. 

What are the benefits of endoscopic spine surgery?

The benefits of choosing endoscopic spine surgery over open surgery include:

• Outpatient surgery
• Less postoperative pain
• Less scarring
• Highly effective, long-lasting results
• Smaller incisions
• Shorter recovery times
• Less bleeding
• Lower risk of complications

Dr. Shukairy uses the most advanced equipment and procedures available to ensure outstanding outcomes.

Who may be a candidate for endoscopic spine surgery?

Candidates for endoscopic spine surgery are individuals who experience neck or back pain and haven’t found relief with conservative treatments. You might need spine surgery because of any of the following:

• Disc degeneration 
• Disc herniation
• Scoliosis
• Spinal irregularities
• Neck, back, or spine pain
• Spinal stenosis (narrowed spinal canal)
• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
• Spinal instability
• Spine tumors
• Infection in the spine
• Fractured vertebra
• Arthritis

To determine if you need endoscopic spine surgery, Dr. Shukairy discusses your medical history and symptoms, completes a physical exam, and orders nerve testing, X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, or other imaging. 

How can I prepare for endoscopic spine surgery?

Preparing for endoscopic spine surgery involves following your pre-surgery instructions. Dr. Shukairy may ask you to avoid taking certain medications, quit smoking, and make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the procedure. You might need to avoid food and drinks the morning of your scheduled appointment.

What should I expect during endoscopic spine surgery?

You may receive general anesthesia to make you fall asleep before undergoing endoscopic spine surgery. Dr. Shukairy inserts a tiny scope with an attached camera near your spine. He might remove a herniated disc, complete disc replacement, or make other repairs to your spine using tiny tools before closing the incision. 

What happens after endoscopic spine surgery?

After endoscopic spine surgery, you typically go home the same day after resting in a recovery area. Follow all post-surgery instructions, take medications as directed, apply ice or heat packs for pain relief, and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until given the okay. 

Attend physical therapy sessions if asked to and follow up with Dr. Shukairy to ensure optimal healing. Call his office at any time with any questions.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Mohammad S. Shukairy by phone or request one online today to determine if you’re a candidate for endoscopic spine surgery.