Endoscopic spine surgery is the most minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) technique available. This type of surgery treats back pain caused by nerve compression, such as disc herniations, spinal stenosis and synovial cysts.  

During these procedures, your surgeon makes a small incision – often as small as ¼ inch – in your back. They will thread a pen-size tube, called a dilator, gently retracting your back muscles to gain access to the bones of your back (vertebrae). They then slide a long, thin tube (an endoscope) through the dilator to get a better look at your problem area. Finally, your surgeon will use a small, high-definition camera and other small, specialized tools through the endoscope to repair your spine.  

For you, that means less pain and a faster recovery. In fact, most patients can leave the hospital within two-to-three hours after surgery. 

Benefits of endoscopic spine surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery techniques are often faster, typically lasting one to two hours. Recovery time is also typically shorter, so you can get back to your regular exercise and work activities sooner. These procedures, when done by an experienced surgeon like those at UW Medicine, can also provide several other benefits, including:  

• Diminished damage to healthy tissues (such as muscles and ligaments) 
• Less blood loss during surgery 
• Maintaining spine stability and avoiding the need for more involved fusion surgeries 
• Outpatient procedure, which means patients are typically discharged within two hours after surgery
• Reduced pain after surgery (lowering the need for opioid pain medication in many patients) 

Our team is trained in endoscopic techniques for the full spine, including: 

• Cervical spine conditions 
• Thoracic spine conditions 
• Lumbar spine conditions 

Endoscopic spine surgery procedures are not suitable for all patients, however. As with any surgical procedure, talk with your surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for this technique. In general, these techniques work well for patients who:  

• Have not found relief with conservative therapy
• Have specific spinal conditions that respond well to endoscopic surgery, such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis 
• Have not had repeat back surgeries or multiple incisions  
• Have no disqualifying health conditions