When is endoscopic surgery for a herniated disk possible ?

When it is probably: Going to get better with non operative treatment. Ideally, you want to have at least 12 weeks of nonop care as 90% of herniated discs get better. For discs that persistent especially if very far to the side of the spinal canal & not too big, then those would be candidate for this surgery- the same indications for a microdisectomy - leg pain worse than back pain c/w a disc herniation seen on mri.

WHEN: The patient has radicular pain consistent with a disc herniation and specific nerve root compression/irritation that has not responded to a well directed conservative treatment program. A decompressive laminotomy & discectomy may be the treatment of choice. An endoscopic approach is a minimal invasive approach to the surgical care.