Endoscopic Decompression Surgery in India - Types & Recovery Time

Endoscopic decompression is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that helps to decompress the spinal nerve and resolve spinal conditions related to it. Endoscopic decompression is a common surgery for chronic back pain. It is also one of the most common surgeries performed for chronic back pain and even leg pain and discomfort due to spinal nerve pressing. Also, people from different countries including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda visit India for cost-effective endoscopic decompression surgery.

The primary reason to choose India for endoscopic decompression is affordability without compromising on the quality of the treatment. In India, you get the cheapest endoscopic spinal decompression from world-renowned orthopaedic surgeons with cutting-edge infrastructure, trained medical staff and advanced equipment. So, if you are searching for quality endoscopic decompression at affordable prices then you can opt for India. Today, we will help you learn essential factors you should know about endoscopic decompression.

Reasons to Perform Endoscopic Decompression Surgery

Before you opt for endoscopic decompression surgery, it is essential to learn about the primary reason for performing endoscopic decompression. It is important to learn about the common reasons for performing endoscopic decompression surgery. This will help you understand better. Here are some common reasons to perform endoscopic decompression-

1. Radiculopathy or nerve pinch

Endoscopic decompression surgery can treat nerve pinch also known as Radiculopathy. In this condition, the nerve near the vertebra gets compressed causing pain in the lower back and leg.

2. Spinal stenosis

Another common reason to perform endoscopic spinal decompression is spinal stenosis where the space around the spinal cord becomes very narrow. It can occur due to wear and tear or injury that can lead to a tingling sensation and pain in the back and one or both legs. Endoscopic decompression lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the most reliable and effective treatments for spinal stenosis.

3. Bone spur

If you have a bone spur and no other alternative can fix the condition, then your doctor can suggest an endoscopic decompression surgery. Bone spur is a condition where bone growth develops in the joints or spine, causing severe lower back pain.

4. Spinal conditions (arthritis or arthritic condition)

Endoscopic spinal decompression can also be used for spinal conditions such as arthritis or any other arthritic condition of the spine.

5. Bulging disc and bone

Sometimes, the spinal disc grows abnormally, leading to disc bulging that compresses the spinal nerve. As a result, you can face chronic back and leg pain. Endoscopic decompression helps remove the disc's excess growth and relieve related symptoms.

6. Degenerative disc disease

DDD, or degenerative disc disease, can cause a tear in the spinal bone that leads to spinal cord compression. An endoscopic decompression surgery can treat the condition by decompressing the cord.

7. Sciatica

Sciatica is a spinal condition where one or more nerves around the spine. This can lead to severe pain and discomfort in the lower back. If you have sciatica and non-surgical treatments failed to resolve the issue you may get prescribed for an endoscopic decompression.

8. Disc herniation 

Lastly, if you are struggling with a herniated disc, you are more likely to get endoscopic decompression to decompress the affected spinal nerves due to disc herniation.

Different types of Endoscopic Decompression Surgery

Endoscopic decompression surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that primarily helps to decompress spinal nerves and treat related spinal conditions. Endoscopic decompression can also be divided into different types depending on the condition it treats. So, before you opt for an endoscopic lumbar decompression, you must learn about the types to make informed decisions-

■ Micro Laminectomy (for one or more vertebra removal):

Micro Laminectomy for one or more vertebra removal is one of the popular types of endoscopic decompression surgery that decompresses both sides of the spinal canal.

■ Micro Laminectomy (for a small portion of lamina removal):

This is another crucial type of endoscopic spinal decompression that removes a small portion of the lamina and decompresses only one side of the spinal canal.

■ Microsurgical laminoplasty:

Microsurgical laminoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small incision to view the inside for the micro compression surgery.

■ Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy:

Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy is also known as endoscopic percutaneous disc removal. It is a minimally invasive procedure that makes small incisions on the skin to access the spine and remove a herniated disc that is compressing the spinal nerve.

■ Microdiscectomy:

Microdiscectomy, also known as microdermabrasion surgery or endoscopic disc decompression surgery, treats conditions like Sciatica, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, etc., by removing the trouble-causing disc.

Non-surgical Alternatives for Endoscopic Decompression Surgery

Endoscopic decompression surgery is an invasive procedure that helps to treat a wide range of spinal conditions caused by nerve compression. However, it is an appropriate option for severe and recurring cases of spinal nerve compression. However, for milder cases, one can safely opt for non-surgical alternatives. Here are a few popular non-surgical options for endoscopic decompression-

■ Steroid injections

Steroid injections are an excellent alternative for endoscopic decompression to deal with spinal pain and discomfort due to nerve compression.

■ Tablets

Tablets containing drugs for anti-inflammation and spinal expansion can also deal with lower back pain due to nerve pinching.

■ Physical therapy

Physical therapy or physiotherapy is one of the most excellent non-surgical alternatives for endoscopic decompression surgery that can help deal with a wide range of spinal conditions, including DDD, herniated disc, Sciatica, spinal stenosis, etc., without any surgery.

Endoscopic Decompression Surgery Procedure

Endoscopic decompression is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses microsurgery tools such as an endoscope to access the spine and remove the cause of spinal nerve compression. The detailed procedure for an endoscopic decompression may vary from one to another depending on the type of surgery. For instance, the procedure of endoscopic decompression volvulus may vary from endoscopic optic nerve decompression. However, the basic concept remains the same in every case. Below, we will discuss the basics of endoscopic decompression surgery for your understanding-

• In the beginning, the surgeon will check your medical reports and test results and talk about the surgery details for your information. Then, the anaesthesiologist will give you general anaesthesia. 
• After that, your surgeon will make small incisions on the skin to access the spine.
• Then, they will insert the endoscope and microsurgery tools to decompress.
• Once the procedure is over, they will apply surgical glue to seal the wound or give one or two stitches to close it if it is slightly oversized. 

Top Surgeons for Endoscopic Spine Surgery in India

1. Dr. Manoj Miglani

2. Dr Hitesh Garg

3. Dr. Ramandeep Singh Dang

4. Dr. Sachin Kandhari

Endoscopic Decompression Surgery Recovery Time

Endoscopic decompression recovery time can vary from one patient to another. The recovery time also depends on several factors like the seriousness of the surgery and individual medical history. Generally, it takes 1-2 weeks to recover when people can return to desk jobs. However, one must wait for at least six weeks for strenuous jobs. One should not lift heavy objects, bend or twist before six weeks after the procedure. Ask your healthcare provider for a more personalised recovery plan.

Endoscopic Decompression Surgery Cost in India

Endoscopic decompression surgery costs in India depend on location, hospital charges, treatment methods, surgeon's fees, and other medical expenses. Usually, the price can range from $6,000 to $7,000. India offers world-class endoscopic decompression treatment at affordable charges. For a more accurate cost estimation, consult with your healthcare provider.

Endoscopic Decompression Surgery Insurance Coverage

Each insurance plan is different, and it would be wise to know beforehand whether your policy can cover the charges for your endoscopic decompression procedure. To get the coverage, the procedure should be medically necessary. Also, some policies may offer partial coverage while others can cover other related expenses. Consult with your healthcare provider and insurance provider to know if your surgery can be covered with your insurance and how much coverage you will get.

Endoscopic Spinal Decompression FAQs