Lumbar Endoscopic Laminectomy/Discectomy

A Lumbar Endoscopic Laminectomy / Discectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery that uses a tiny camera (endoscope) and specialized instruments to relieve nerve compression in the lower back.

• Discectomy: Removes the portion of a herniated or bulging disc pressing on a nerve root.
   
• Laminectomy: Removes a small portion of bone or ligament to create more space for the nerves, often used to treat spinal stenosis.
   

By combining these techniques, Dr. Tristan Fried can precisely target and relieve pressure on spinal nerves while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
This procedure is performed through a two small incisions, often less than ½ inch, and most patients go home the same day.
 

Lumbar Endoscopic Laminectomy / Discectomy is commonly used to treat:

• Lumbar herniated discs
   
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
   
• Sciatica (radiating leg pain caused by nerve compression)
   
• Bone spurs from arthritis or degenerative changes
   
• Recurrent disc herniation after a previous surgery
   
• Pinched nerves leading to weakness, numbness, or tingling
   
• Certain cases of spondylolisthesis with nerve irritation
   

• Smaller incision: Endoscopic surgery uses a tiny incisions compared to a 2–4 inch incision with open surgery.
   
• Minimal muscle disruption: Muscles are gently moved aside rather than being cut or stripped away.
   
• Outpatient procedure: Most patients go home the same day, while open surgery often requires a hospital stay
   
• Faster recovery: Recovery time is typically quicker than open surgery
   
• Less blood loss: Smaller incisions mean less bleeding during surgery.
   
• Lower risk of infection: Reduced tissue exposure decreases the chance of infection.
   
• Less postoperative pain: Minimal disruption to muscles and tissue results in less discomfort and a reduced need for pain medication.
   
• Smaller scar: The small incision leaves a much smaller, less visible scar compared to traditional open surgery.
   

Bottom line: Endoscopic spine surgery provides precise nerve decompression with less trauma, quicker healing, and a faster return to normal activities.

You may be a good candidate if you have:

• Persistent lower back and leg pain that hasn’t improved with physical therapy, medications, or injections
   
• Sciatica or radiating leg pain caused by a pinched nerve
   
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
   
• Weakness affecting walking or foot movement (foot drop)
   
• Imaging studies confirming nerve compression from a disc, stenosis, or bone spur
   

Patients with severe spinal instability or multi-level disease may require a different procedure, such as minimally invasive lumbar fusion.

• Small incision: Two small incisions is made in the lower back.
   
• Endoscope placement: A thin tube with a high-definition camera is inserted to visualize the affected area.
   
• Precise decompression:
   
• Discectomy: Removes the herniated disc fragment pressing on the nerve.
   
• Laminectomy: Removes a small portion of bone or ligament to widen the spinal canal.
   
• Closure: The incision is closed with minimal stitches or adhesive.
   

• Smaller incision with minimal scarring
   
• Outpatient procedure – go home the same day
   
• Reduced muscle damage and quicker recovery
   
• Lower infection risk compared to open surgery
   
• Faster return to normal activities
   
• Less postoperative pain and decreased reliance on opioids
   
• Preservation of natural spinal structures
   

• Same-day discharge: Most patients walk out of the surgery center within hours.
   
• Early mobility: Walking is encouraged immediately to promote healing and circulation.
   
• Return to light activities: Many patients resume desk work or light tasks within 1–2 weeks.
   
• Physical therapy: Typically starts a 6 weeks after surgery to restore strength and flexibility.
   
• Full recovery: Most patients return to full activity within 3 Months, depending on their overall health and job demands.
   

Many patients experience immediate relief of leg pain, while numbness and weakness improve gradually over time.
 

Dr. Fried and his team will provide specific pre-surgery instructions, which may include:

• Stopping certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) before surgery
   
• Avoiding food or drink for a set period before the procedure
   
• Arranging for a ride home if you are discharged the same day
   
• Setting up a recovery area at home with easy access to essentials
   
• Quitting smoking to improve healing and reduce complications.

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

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