Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a tiny camera (endoscope) and specialized instruments to treat spinal conditions through very small incisions — often less than ½ inch long.

Dr. Tristan Fried uses this advanced approach to relieve nerve compression, remove damaged tissue, and stabilize the spine while preserving surrounding muscles and healthy structures.
Because it requires much smaller incisions than traditional surgery, most procedures are performed as outpatient surgeries, meaning patients can go home the same day with faster recovery and less postoperative pain.

Endoscopic spine surgery is highly effective for conditions involving pinched nerves or spinal stenosis.
Commonly treated conditions include:

• Herniated or bulging discs (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar)
   
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
   
• Cervical radiculopathy (nerve pain radiating into the arm)
   
• Sciatica or lumbar nerve pain
   
• Facet cysts
   
• Certain cases of degenerative disc disease
   
• Recurrent disc herniations after previous surgery
   
• Some cases of spondylolisthesis with nerve compression
   

Endoscopic surgery is best for targeted nerve decompression and other precision procedures without the trauma of traditional open surgery.

• Smaller incisions: Typically ½ inch or smaller, compared to 2–4 inches with open surgery.
   
• Minimal muscle disruption: Muscles are gently moved aside rather than cut.
   
• Outpatient procedure: Most patients go home the same day, instead of staying in the hospital for several days.
   
• Less blood loss and scarring: Smaller incisions reduce tissue trauma.
   
• Lower infection risk: Less exposure means fewer complications.
   
• Less postoperative pain: Reduced tissue disruption means less discomfort and decreased need for narcotics.
   
• Smaller scar: Results in a less visible scar for better cosmetic outcomes.
   

Summary: Endoscopic spine surgery achieves the same goals as open surgery — relieving nerve pressure and improving function — but with far less tissue damage and faster healing.

• Smaller incision with minimal scarring
   
• Faster recovery and return to work or activities
   
• Lower risk of infection due to minimal exposure
   
• Reduced pain and need for opioid medications
   
• Preserves healthy tissues and natural spinal structures
   
• Outpatient surgery, allowing patients to go home the same day
   
• Improved precision through advanced visualization with a high-definition endoscope

You may be a good candidate if you have:

• Persistent neck, back, or leg pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections
   
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by nerve compression
   
• Imaging studies that show a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other compressive problem
   
• Good overall health and no major medical contraindications for anesthesia or surgery
   

Patients with severe deformity, instability, or advanced scoliosis may need other surgical options such as minimally invasive or open spinal fusion.

• Small incisions: ½-inch incisions are made near the affected area.
   
• Endoscope placement: A thin tube with a high-definition camera is inserted to visualize the surgical site.
   
• Targeted treatment:
   
• Herniated disc material, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments are carefully removed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
   
• Only the problem area is treated, preserving surrounding healthy structures.
   
• Closure: The incision is closed with minimal stitches or adhesive.
   

• Same-day discharge: Most patients walk out of the surgery center a few hours after surgery.
   
• Walking encouraged immediately: Light walking promotes blood flow and healing.
   
• Return to light activities: Many patients can return to desk work or gentle tasks within 1–2 weeks.
   
• Physical therapy: May begin 6 weeks after surgery to strengthen muscles and restore mobility.
   

Many patients experience immediate relief of leg or arm pain, while numbness and weakness may improve gradually over several weeks.

• Stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, as directed by Dr. Fried.
   
• Avoid food or drink for a set time before surgery.
   
• Arrange transportation home, as you won’t be able to drive after the procedure.
   
• Set up a recovery area at home with essentials close by.
   
• Quit smoking to improve healing and reduce complications.

Call Dr. Fried’s office immediately if you experience:

• Fever, chills, or redness at the incision site
   
• New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness
   
• Severe back or leg pain not relieved by medication
   
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
   
• Sudden bladder or bowel control changes (medical emergency)