Endoscopic Spine Surgery (ESS) is an advanced, minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat various spine conditions. Instead of making large cuts like in traditional surgery, the surgeon uses a 5–10 mm incision, inserts a tiny high-definition camera (endoscope), and performs the surgery with specialized instruments while watching the surgical area on a digital screen.
This method ensures maximum accuracy, very little blood loss, and minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues, muscles, and ligaments. Because of this, patients experience:
Less postoperative pain
Faster recovery
Shorter hospital stays
Quick return to daily activities
Reduced risk of complications
Dr. Ankit Daware specializes in both Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine Surgery (TESS) and Interlaminar Endoscopic Spine Surgery (IESS), providing personalized treatment based on each patient’s condition.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery has several advantages over traditional spine procedures like open discectomy or laminectomy. Some key benefits include:
1. Minimally Invasive Approach
Only a small incision is required, reducing pain and healing time significantly.
2. No Muscle Cutting
Traditional spine surgery often requires muscle retraction or cutting. ESS avoids this, preserving natural anatomy.
3. Less Blood Loss
Since the surgery is performed through a tiny opening, blood loss is minimal.
4. Reduced Hospital Stay
Most patients can go home the same day or within 24 hours.
5. Faster Return to Work
Patients typically resume normal activities within a few days to a couple of weeks.
6. Lower Infection Risk
Smaller incisions drastically reduce the chances of infection.
7. High Success Rate
ESS effectively treats disc herniation, sciatica, and many other conditions with excellent long-term outcomes.
Dr. Ankit Daware provides advanced endoscopic treatment for a wide range of spine problems, such as:
✔ Slipped Disc / Herniated Disc
Compression of spinal nerves due to a bulging or herniated disc can be treated effectively with endoscopic discectomy.
✔ Sciatica
Pain radiating from the lower back to the legs due to nerve compression is commonly resolved through ESS.
✔ Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal leading to nerve pressure can be treated endoscopically with decompression.
✔ Cervical Disc Herniation
Neck pain, radiating arm pain, and numbness caused by cervical disc problems are treatable with cervical ESS.
✔ Foraminal Stenosis
Endoscopic foraminotomy can relieve nerve compression at the foraminal level.
✔ Chronic Back or Neck Pain
When pain does not respond to medications, injections, or physiotherapy, ESS can provide long-term relief.
✔ Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Patients who have persistent symptoms even after open spine surgery can benefit from revision endoscopic procedures.
You may be a suitable candidate for Endoscopic Spine Surgery if:
You have persistent back or neck pain lasting more than 4–6 weeks
Pain travels to your legs (sciatica) or arms
MRI shows disc herniation or nerve compression
You have not found relief with conservative treatments
Pain affects your daily activities, walking, or sleep
You prefer a minimally invasive solution
Patients with diabetes, elderly individuals, and those with previous spine surgeries can also undergo ESS safely due to its less invasive nature.
1. Detailed Diagnosis
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including:
Physical examination
Detailed medical history
MRI/CT scan review
Nerve root testing (if needed)
Dr. Ankit Daware ensures accurate diagnosis before suggesting surgery.
2. Personalized Treatment Planning
Every spine condition is unique, depending on disc position, severity, and symptoms. Dr. Daware selects the ideal approach—transforaminal or interlaminar—based on patient requirements.
3. Day of Surgery
A tiny incision (5–10 mm) is made
An HD camera (endoscope) is inserted
Specialized instruments remove the disc fragment or decompress nerves
No muscle is cut, only gently dilated
The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.
4. Recovery & Discharge
Patients walk within hours
Discharge is typically on the same day
Minimal pain medications required
Quick return to normal routine
1. Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine Surgery (TESS)
Ideal for lumbar disc herniation and sciatica
– Entry through the natural foraminal window
– No damage to spinal canal structures
– Suitable for office-goers, athletes, elderly patients
2. Interlaminar Endoscopic Spine Surgery (IESS)
Recommended for central or large disc herniations and stenosis
– Provides direct access to the spinal canal
– Effective for complex or migrated disc fragments
3. Cervical Endoscopic Spine Surgery
For neck pain, arm pain, tingling, and cervical nerve compression.
4. Endoscopic Foraminal Decompression
Removes bone or ligament causing nerve compression in the foraminal zone.
5. Endoscopic Rhizotomy
For chronic back pain caused by facet joints.
To ensure the highest safety and success, Dr. Daware conducts:
MRI scan review
X-rays for alignment and stability
Neurological examination
Lifestyle and occupation assessment
Medical fitness evaluation
This helps determine the ideal surgical plan and predict outcomes accurately.
Immediate Recovery
Walk within 2–4 hours
Light meals allowed
Pain is mild, manageable with minimal medication
First Week
Resume normal home activities
Avoid lifting heavy weights
Continue gentle walking
2–4 Weeks
Return to office work
Start mild physiotherapy
Maintain good posture
After 4 Weeks
Resume full lifestyle activities
Strengthening exercises
Long-lasting relief with proper care
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