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ENDOSCOPIC SPINE SURGERY

Endoscopic (keyhole) spine surgery: who it suits

In endoscopic spine surgery the surgeon works through one or two small openings using a thin camera (endoscope) and fine instruments, instead of a longer cut and moving the back muscles aside.

It is used mainly for slipped discs and for narrowing of the spinal canal. For the right patient it can mean less pain after surgery, a smaller scar and an earlier return home. It is not the right choice for every spine problem.

See Dr. Imran, 4 to 5 pm Call +91 89193 41154
A thin straight spine endoscope with fine instruments on a sterile drape
Illustrative image

What it is used for

Slipped disc

Removing the piece of disc pressing on a nerve, in the lower back and sometimes the neck.

Lumbar canal stenosis

Widening a narrow spinal canal in older people with leg pain on walking.

Nerve root canal narrowing

Freeing a single trapped nerve where it leaves the spine.

Selected other problems

Some infections and cysts can be treated this way. Your surgeon decides case by case.

When another method may be better

The aim is the right operation for your spine, not the smallest cut. Keyhole surgery should be offered only when it suits your spine.

Recovery

  1. Same day or next day: walking with help. Leg pain often eases early.
  2. First 2 weeks: short walks several times a day, no heavy lifting, no long drives.
  3. 2 to 6 weeks: back to desk work for most people. Physiotherapy as advised.
  4. After 6 weeks: heavier work and exercise, step by step, as your surgeon advises.

Like any operation, it has risks: infection, bleeding, a leak of the fluid around the nerves, nerve injury, the disc slipping again, and sometimes the need to change to an open operation during surgery. Your surgeon will go through these with you.

Read more on whether a slipped disc needs surgery.

See Dr. Imran at Caspian

Dr. Mohammed Imran, Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon. MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery), Gandhi Medical College. Telangana Medical Council 60634.

Monday to Saturday, 4 to 5 pm. Walk in, no appointment needed. Consultation ₹600, valid for 6 days or 2 visits, whichever comes first.

Bring any MRI, CT or X-ray you have had (the films or CD and the written report), and the list of every medicine you take.

Dr. Imran’s profileCall +91 89193 41154

Common questions

Is keyhole spine surgery better than normal surgery?

For suitable patients, the results for leg pain are similar to standard microscope surgery, with a smaller cut and often a quicker early recovery. It is not better for everyone. Unstable spines, some deformities and some repeat operations are better treated by other methods.

What is UBE?

Unilateral biportal endoscopy. The surgeon makes two small openings on one side of the spine: one for the camera and one for the instruments. It allows a wide, clear view, and can treat slipped discs and narrowing of the canal at one or more levels.

Will I be awake?

Many endoscopic spine operations are done under general anaesthesia. Some single-opening procedures can be done under spinal or local anaesthesia with sedation. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will advise.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Many patients walk the same day and go home in 1 to 2 days. It depends on the operation, your health and the hospital's protocol.

Is it more expensive?

The cost depends on the hospital, the equipment and your insurance. Ask for an estimate at the hospital where the surgery is planned. Many insurance policies cover endoscopic spine surgery.

Where is it done?

There is no operation theatre at Caspian. When surgery is needed, Dr. Imran operates on you himself at Mahavir Hospital or CARE Hospitals, Nampally. He has a fellowship in UBE endoscopic spine surgery from Busan, South Korea.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed Imran, Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon, Telangana Medical Council 60634. Last reviewed 13 November 2026. General information for patients of Caspian Healthcare: your own doctor’s advice comes first.