Endoscopic Spine Surgery Program

Experts at the Endoscopic Spine Surgery Program, a part of NYU Langone’s Spine Center, offer a groundbreaking approach to care of the neck and lower back. Using an endoscope—a narrow tube with a light and high-definition camera on the end—our surgeons can see the inside of the body on a screen in real time, which helps them perform highly precise spine surgery. This ultra-minimally invasive approach requires only one or two small incisions.

The Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery allows our surgeons to protect the surrounding tissues and structures of the spine. The surgery is safe and effective, restoring function and relieving pain from conditions such as degenerative disc disease or herniated disc.

This type of surgery is similar to knee or shoulder arthroscopy. It is typically done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. Recovery time, ranging from one to two weeks, is faster than with open surgery, and you can quickly return to your daily activities, improving your quality of life.

Our Surgical Expertise

Our knowledge of the latest endoscopic treatments reflects NYU Langone’s excellence and innovation in spine surgery. While most endoscopic spine surgeries use a single incision, several of our surgeons specialize in a more advanced procedure—biportal endoscopic surgery—which uses two tiny incisions, less than one centimeter long. This procedure is only available at a few other medical centers in the United States.

Biportal endoscopic surgery allows surgeons to use one incision for the endoscope and the other for the surgical instruments. This two-portal approach further improves surgical precision and protects the spine and surrounding tissues.

Our Supportive, Team-Based Approach to Care

In addition to our surgical expertise, our team of specialists provides you with the support you need as you make important treatment decisions about your spine health.

Orthopedic and neurosurgery spine surgeons, rehabilitation doctors, pain management physicians, neurologists, advanced practice providers, and registered nurses work together to listen to your concerns and provide you with personalized care before, during, and after spine surgery. Physical and occupational therapists may also be a part of the care plan.

Spine Conditions We Treat

Our doctors can help determine whether you are a candidate for endoscopic spine surgery. We typically use this surgery to treat conditions of the lower back or lumbar spine, including these:

• degenerative disc disease
• herniated disc
• spinal stenosis
• spondylolisthesis
• radiculopathy, which is pinching of the nerve near the root
• sciatica, or injury of the sciatic nerve that originates in the lower spine

We may also use endoscopic spine surgery for conditions in the neck or cervical spine, such as disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, or a herniated disc.

Endoscopic Spine Surgeries We Perform

Our doctors may recommend one of the following surgeries as part of your spine care plan: 

• endoscopic microdiscectomy: removes a piece of herniated disc or can relieve pain caused by radiculopathy or sciatica
• endoscopic laminectomy or decompression: removes a portion of the lamina, which is the bony arch of the vertebra, to treat spinal stenosis
• endoscopic fusion: connects bones of the spine to stabilize it to treat spondylolisthesis, severe disc degeneration, or herniated disc

Our endoscopic spine surgery program leads the way in creating treatment guidelines that ensure the safe and responsible use of new endoscopic techniques for spine surgery. This work enables us to provide the highest quality of care and the best possible outcomes for our patients.