Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Precise Care, Smaller Incisions, Faster Recovery

As part of the comprehensive spine treatment options, Henry Ford Health offers endoscopic spine surgery (ESS), the least invasive procedure to safely access the spine. Specially designed instruments like the endoscope, which is about the width of a pencil tip, allow surgeons to view and reach small areas of the spine without the need for the large incision required for traditional back surgery. This minimizes disruption and damage to muscles responsible for stabilizing the back and reduces the need to remove bone, often resulting in faster recovery, less pain, a reduced risk of complications, and a quicker return to normal daily activity.

Who can benefit from endoscopic spine surgery?

(ESS) is recommended for spinal conditions in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) regions causing arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, particularly when these symptoms stem from nerve root compression due to issues like herniated discs or spinal stenosis caused by arthritis. Endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion surgery is also used to treat various spinal conditions, such as:

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) – Worn-out discs causing chronic low back pain and disability.
• Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis – Narrowing of the exit pathway for spinal nerves, causing leg pain or weakness.
• Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation – A previously treated disc herniates again at the same spinal level, especially after failed discectomy.
• Spinal Instability – Failure of the spinal column to maintain its normal structure, typically due to trauma, degeneration, or surgery.
• Spondylolisthesis – Slippage of one vertebra over another, causing instability or nerve compression

Other commonly treated conditions include:

• Herniated discs: A bulging or ruptured disc that presses on nearby nerves.
• Sciatica: Pain that radiates down the leg due to nerve compression in the lower back.
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal.

What should I expect during endoscopic spine surgery?

Endoscopic surgery can be performed using sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the procedure type and patient preference.

Once the procedure begins, your surgeon will insert a cannula through a small incision, creating a “tunnel” to view inside the spine and insert other tiny instruments for performing the procedure. The entire procedure often takes less than an hour.

What should I expect during post-op recovery?

Following your procedure, you will be woken up and taken to the recovery room. You may experience some temporary postoperative discomfort, which is typical. Many patients describe this as a “soreness” in their backs. You will remain in the recovery room for 1-2 hours. Following your surgery and based on the treatment plan discussed with your surgeon beforehand, you will either be discharged home or transferred to a hospital room.‍ Recovery protocol and postoperative management, including medications and physical therapy, are patient-specific and dependent on guidance from your physician. Many patients take no prescription pain medications after these procedures, and some take no medications at all.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery from ESS is much faster than traditional open spine surgery. Many patients are participating in gentle exercise within a day or two of surgery. Depending on the specific procedure and overall health, return to work and full physical activity usually occurs within 2 to 6 weeks or even quicker. Returning to work will depend on the demands of your job and should be discussed thoroughly with your surgeon.

Where is ESS performed?

The minimally invasive procedure is performed at Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital.