Pioneering clinic in endoscopic laser spine surgery in Madrid

The constant evolution of technology has allowed surgical techniques to advance towards increasingly efficient and safe methods for patients. Among these advances, laser-assisted endoscopic spine surgery stands out as one of the most advanced and effective procedures currently available for the treatment of various conditions. Our centre is a pioneer and the first in Europe to implement these innovative techniques. Below, we will explain what it consists of and what its main benefits are.

What is laser spine surgery?

Laser surgery is one of the most advanced procedures in minimally invasive medicine, designed to accurately and effectively address pathologies affecting the spine. Unlike traditional surgeries, this procedure uses a high-precision laser that allows extremely precise cuts to be made in the tissues without the need to use a conventional scalpel.

The procedure is carried out by inserting an endoscope that allows the surgeon to visualize the affected area of the spine. Through this technology, the laser is precisely directed towards the damaged tissue, allowing it to be repaired or removed in a controlled manner, which significantly reduces the risk of damaging structures such as nerves and blood vessels.

Spinal pathologies treated with endoscopy

This surgical approach is especially effective in treating different conditions in this part of the body including:

• Vertebral osteoarthritis: wear or degeneration of the cartilage that connects the vertebrae. It can affect the hip, lumbar region, cervical region or facet joints.
• Sciatica: pressure on the sciatic nerve that causes pain from the lower back to one or both legs.
• Stenosis: narrowing that puts pressure on nerves and spinal cord, causing pain.
• herniated disc: displacement of the intervertebral disc, a consequence of disc degeneration, which causes pain and affects mobility.
• Lumps: occurs when the outer wall of the disc bulges into the spine due to pressure from the inner core of the intervertebral disc

This type of surgery is mainly used for repair damage to parts of the intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers for the spine and are responsible for giving the spine flexibility. Disc injuries can make activities such as walking, running, jumping or performing different daily activities difficult; therefore, it is advisable to treat them with a specialist.

Spine procedures for which laser is used

Laser technology has revolutionized various surgical procedures of the spine. Among the most notable procedures is the laser rhizotomy, a highly effective technique for cutting nerve roots in the spinal cord. Also known as rhizolysis, this technique involves disabling the sensory nerve of the facet joint, which relieves lower back pain or other chronic back pain or muscle spasms.

Another procedure possible thanks to this technology is the laser disc decompression. This low-risk treatment, performed under local anesthesia, involves a simple puncture that effectively relieves chronic back pain and muscle discomfort. Its results are especially beneficial for treating lumps and herniated discs, both lumbar and cervical.

In the case of laser herniated disc treatment, a method is used that consists of introducing a laser probe inside the herniated disc and evaporating the liquid from the disc so that it returns to its original place. This does not cause damage to it or alterations in its structure, relieving pain in the affected area.

Likewise, the Laser surgery is applicable to spinal stenosis. This procedure is intended to widen the spinal canal to decompress the nerves. In some cases, it is also necessary to fix some vertebrae to stabilize the spine.

In addition to these spinal conditions, this technology is used for treatment of spinal cord tumors with laser. This approach makes it possible to reach areas that were previously inaccessible in order to remove benign or malignant tissue masses. Although it can be effective, some patients may also require radiotherapy or chemotherapy as part of their treatment.

What is a spinal endoscopy like?

Endoscopy is a Minimally invasive surgery that is performed through a small incision in the skin: approximately 2 mm in the cervical area and 4 mm in the anterior region. for interventions in the lumbar region. The surgery begins with the insertion of a dilator that allows access to the affected area. A cannula is placed over this dilator, through which the entire intervention will be carried out. The dilator is then removed, leaving the cannula in place. The small diameter of the cannula allows the surgery to be less aggressive on the muscles, ligaments and spinal canal, avoiding damage to vital structures and preserving the stability of the spine.

The anesthesia used for this procedure varies depending on the area of the spine to be treated. In the cervical and thoracic region, general anesthesia is used. In the lumbar region, different types of anesthesia (general, epidural or cal), depending on the location of the pathology, the duration of the surgery and the patient's condition, may be used.

How long does endoscopic surgery take?

The duration of endoscopic spine surgery It depends on the complexity of the pathology to be treated and the experience of the surgeon.Simple herniated discs can be treated in 15 to 25 minutes, while more complex pathologies, such as spinal stenosis, may require approximately one hour per affected level. In the cervical region, hernia surgeries usually last between 20 and 30 minutes, while stenosis can last up to one hour.

What are the advantages of laser spine surgery?

The main advantages of laser spine surgery are:

• Minimally invasive procedure: Since it is an endoscopic surgery, the incisions are millimetric, which reduces the aggressiveness of the procedure compared to traditional surgeries.
• Rapid hospital discharge: In most cases, the patient can be discharged on the same day of the operation.
• Fast recovery: Due to less tissue damage, patients' recovery time is significantly reduced.
• Less postoperative pain: Since it is a minimally invasive surgery, there is less pain after it is performed.
• Lower risk of complications: Laser surgery reduces the risk of complications, such as blood loss or infections.
• Safety and efficacy: This technique is extremely safe, since it only requires a single millimetric incision, minimising side effects and facilitating patient recovery.

Pioneering center in endoscopic laser spine surgery in Madrid

FESS surgery (Full-Endoscopic spine surgery) represents one of the most significant advances in laser treatments on the spineThis technique, recognized as one of the most effective and safe minimally invasive surgeries, is used to treat a variety of pathologies, including herniated discs and foraminal stenosis, among other conditions that affect the spine.

Elgeadi Traumatología became the first center to use this procedure, not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. As pioneers and experts in applying the FESS, we have managed to transform the treatment of various spinal pathologies, offering patients significant benefits in terms of effectiveness and speed of recovery.

If you are experiencing back problems or symptoms related to different spinal conditions, scheduling a private appointment with the Elgeadi Traumatology team is the first step to regaining the quality of life you desire. As pioneers in advanced endoscopic spine surgery using laser and thanks to many patients who trust us, we can guarantee it.