Endoscopic Surgery Specialist
Sanjay Khurana, MD
Spine Surgery located in Marina Del Rey, CA & Manhattan Beach, CA
If you have a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or another condition that causes chronic back pain, you may be a candidate for endoscopic surgery. At Commons Clinic, experienced spine surgeon Sanjay Khurana, MD, regularly performs endoscopic surgery to relieve pain, encourage mobility, and help people achieve active and vibrant lives. To make an appointment, call the office in Manhattan Beach or Marina Del Rey, California, or click the online booking feature today.
Endoscopic Surgery Q & A
What is endoscopic surgery?
Endoscopic surgery is a type of minimally invasive spine surgery that uses an endoscope –– a thin tube with a high-definition camera and light on the end. Dr. Khurana inserts the endoscope through a small incision. The endoscope provides a video feed that Dr. Khurana views on a monitor in the operating suite.
Endoscopic surgery is much quicker than traditional open surgery. What’s more, because it only requires small incisions, there’s less risk of bleeding, infection, or other postoperative complications.
What are the advantages of endoscopic surgery?
Endoscopic surgery provides various advantages, including:
- Less time on the operating table
- Quicker recovery
- Less recurring pain
- Reduced risk of bleeding and infection
- Improved range of motion
In some cases, Dr. Khurana performs endoscopic surgery with local anesthesia. That means you might not have to spend the night in the hospital.
Am I a candidate for endoscopic surgery?
To determine if you’re a candidate for endoscopic surgery, Dr. Khurana reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it extends into other parts of your body, and whether it prevents you from work, exercise, or other activities.
Next, Dr. Khurana conducts a physical exam and orders diagnostic imaging to get a closer look at the hard and soft tissues in your spine. After making a diagnosis, Dr. Khurana develops a custom treatment plan. Whenever possible, he recommends conservative treatments like spine injections or physical therapy.
If your symptoms persist or get worse, you might benefit from endoscopic surgery. That’s especially true if you have a degenerative condition like severe disc herniation or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine).
What happens during endoscopic surgery?
Dr. Khurana performs endoscopic surgery at a hospital or surgical facility. Before the procedure begins, he administers general or local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort.
Once the anesthesia sets in, Dr. Khurana makes a small incision over the area of your spine being treated. Then, he inserts the endoscope through the incision. The endoscope captures real-time images of your spine and surrounding tissues, allowing Dr. Khurana to make very precise movements.
After making the necessary repairs, Dr. Khurana removes the endoscope and stitches the incision closed. Then, he moves you to a recovery room for observation.
What is recovery like after endoscopic surgery?
After endoscopic surgery, it’s normal to experience some pain, swelling, and mobility issues. Take your medication as prescribed, attend each checkup, and follow Dr. Khurana’s recovery instructions carefully. Most people make a full recovery within three weeks to a month.
To learn more about the benefits of endoscopic surgery, make an appointment with Sanjay Khurana, MD, at LA Spine Group by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.