Lumbar disc herniation and stenosis: endoscopic spine surgery

Compression of lumbar nerve roots by a herniated disc or canal stenosis causes sciatica: radiating neuropathic pain, tingling and loss of strength. Most cases improve with conservative treatment over six to twelve weeks, and surgery is reserved for disabling pain or neurological deficit.

The global trend is minimal invasiveness. Tubular microdiscectomy and endoscopic spine surgery decompress the nerve root through incisions of a few millimetres, with less bleeding, short admission and fast return to activity. If vertebral instability exists, percutaneous interbody fusion with screws is performed.

Microdiscectomy resolves radicular pain immediately in 85-90% of well-selected patients, although mechanical low back pain may persist. Risks include cerebrospinal fluid leak, infection, nerve root injury and re-herniation, which occurs in roughly 5-10% of cases. A recent MRI and an examination consistent with the imaging are non-negotiable prerequisites.

South Korea is the world reference in endoscopic spine surgery, with instruments and techniques developed specifically for this approach. Germany and the Czech Republic are European hubs for complex lumbar fusion and revision surgery. The range is EUR 6,000 to 18,000, with seven to fourteen day stays.

At medviajes we compare accredited centres, request a second reading of your MRI before travel and organise the trip with rehabilitation. The surgical indication must be confirmed by a qualified neurosurgeon or spine surgeon.