Endoscopic spine surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery used to diagnose and treat problems in the lumbar spine, including the leg and back. "Using an endoscopic approach, we're able to treat the problem through a very small incision with the help of advanced imaging and specialized tools," says Akshay G. L. Yadhati, MD, FAAOS, from ARC Orthopedics. "This allows us to focus on relieving your pain while protecting healthy tissue and supporting a smoother, faster recovery — without compromising the quality of your care."
How does it work?
In endoscopic spine surgery, the surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera and a light into the spinal column through a small incision. The camera helps the surgeon more clearly see the bone, tissue, and nerves around the spinal cord. Specialized instruments are then passed through the same opening to remove damaged tissue, bone, disc material — such as a herniated disc or bone spurs — to alleviate pressure on the nerve roots in the area. This method helps the doctor avoid unnecessary trauma to nearby structures, including the cervical vertebrae in the lower spine in the back.
What does endoscopic spine surgery treat?
This treatment may help patients with conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, sciatica, nerve compression, and bone spurs. Endoscopic techniques allow the surgeon to target the problem area with precision.
What are the benefits?
"Because this procedure uses smaller incisions, many patients feel less pain and are able to get back to their normal activities sooner than with traditional surgery," says Dr. Yadhati. "There is also less impact on nearby muscles and tissue, which helps support a smoother recovery with fewer complications."
Some benefits of endoscopic surgery include:
- Faster recovery time: Can often be done as outpatient/same-day surgery
- Less pain: The smaller incision means less trauma to tissue, resulting in less pain
- Less medication: Less trauma usually means less reliance on post-surgery pain medications
- Preserves mobility: Minimizes damage to surrounding tissues, resulting in better post-surgical flexibility
- Less risk of infection: Small incisions are less susceptible to infection than traditional open surgery
Are you an endoscopic spine surgery candidate?
"Endoscopic spine surgery candidates are typically patients who have nerve-related back and leg pain caused by conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis and who haven't improved with nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy or medications," says Dr. Yadhati. "Ultimately, candidacy is determined by a spine specialist after a thorough evaluation," he adds.
About Dr. Yadhati
Dr. Yadhati is accepting new patients ages 18 and older. He sees patients at three locations: ARC Greenlawn Specialty in Round Rock, ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics in Austin, and ARC South 1st in Austin.
Dr. Yadhati has a Fellowship in Adult Spine Surgery from the University of Utah, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Salt Lake City, UT. He specializes in orthopedics, endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery, back surgery, neck surgery, robotic-assisted spinal fusions, spine care, and spine surgery.
Learn more about spine care at ARC.
Make an appointment today
To book an appointment with Dr. Yadhati, use ARC MyChart, or call 512-454-4561.