(646) 916-3962 Menu

What is an Endoscopic Discectomy?

Endoscopic discectomy is an outpatient minimally invasive spine surgery performed to treat disc problems that cause back and leg pain. A unique feature of this technique is the technology used to access the spine; through a keyhole incision, surgery is performed using an endoscope.

An endoscope is a flexible or stiff tube with a tiny camera at the end. The endoscope delivers the surgeon an excellent view of the disc and related structures. The enhanced view allows the surgeon to select the part of the disc to be removed. Instead of cutting through tissues (eg, muscle) to access the spine, dilation tubes gently separate soft tissue and are graduated in size to enlarge the operative field. Dr. Stieber's New York discectomy is second to none. Contact the office today to schedule your appointment.

About the Endoscopic Discectomy Procedure

Dr. Stieber's NYC discectomy is performed under local and/or epidural anesthesia; the patient is awake during the surgery. The back area is cleansed and prepared for surgery. A small needle is inserted into the disc guided by fluoroscopy; a type of x-ray used during surgery. A tiny skin incision is made and the dilation tube is slipped into place followed by the endoscope.

Special miniature-sized instruments (eg, forceps, cutters) are advanced through the tube. A laser probe removes only the damaged disc part and binds the disc wall (anulus fibrosus). The laser also reduces (shrinks) the size of the disc to decompress nerve roots. The procedure takes about 30-minutes to one-hour per disc. The incision is dressed with a small bandage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does The Surgery Take?

Discectomy requires about 30 minutes to an hour per herniated disc that is addressed surgically.

What's The Recovery Time After This Surgery?

You will be discharged the same day as your surgery. The total recovery time is far shorter than traditional spine surgery, with an average for one to three weeks, based upon your individual healing time, age, and overall health.

© Stieber MD. All Rights Reserved. Designed & Developed by Studio III
Alternate Phone: (212) 883-8868

Virtual Consultation

Dear Patients:

Our patients' health and safety is our number one priority. Our office continues to be open for all email, telephone, and online inquiries. You can call us at 646-916-3962 or contact us via email to schedule your virtual telemedicine or in-person visit. Our doctors will be holding regular office hours for virtual video consultations and follow-up visits that permit you to stay in the comfort of your own home, utilizing your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

Additionally, we will continue to see select patients in the office for consultation and follow-up visits, including preoperative and postoperative appointments. Our doctors continue to perform procedures in our private, free-standing surgery center that offers an array of outpatient surgical services to treat spinal issues such as acute back pain, disc herniations, sciatica, and pinched nerves in the back or neck. We are also able to offer clean and efficient on-site x-ray capabilities in our office.

Please know that we join our community in taking all advised precautions* to limit the spread of the Coronavirus and ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Call today to schedule a consultation and explore your options with the Spine Center at OrthoManhattan.

The following precautionary measures have been established to ensure the safest environment possible:

  • All patients are screened both prior to and on the day of their office appointment. Patients will not be permitted in the office and will be asked to reschedule their appointment if:
    • You or anyone in your household are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, or shortness of breath.
    • You have been in contact with anybody who has tested positive for coronavirus or have traveled (both domestically and internationally) within the last 14 days.
  • We have updated our patient and visitor policies:
    • Only a limited number of patients will be permitted on the office hour schedule.
    • No additional visitors or family members are allowed to accompany the patient during their office visit, unless the patient is in need of an aide or a translator
    • Infants, children, and adolescents are asked to stay home and will not be permitted to accompany the patient to their appointment.

Virtual Consultation

Schedule a Consultation