Intralaminar Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy

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Intralaminar Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy is an approach performed from the back of the spine for the purposes of removing herniated disc via the assistance of an endoscope. The patient is placed on their belly under general anesthesia, a skin incision made, and a dilator inserted, gently separating the muscles. A hollow working channel called a cannula is next inserted over the dilator, which is then removed.  An endoscope is next inserted to visualize minute details on a video monitor, and a series of tools inserted under visualization to remove the herniated disc and decompress the nerves. Once the decompression has been achieved, the wound is closed, and the patient is typically discharged within a few hours.