Cervical Endoscopic Spine Surgery

What the procedure is

Cervical endoscopic spine surgery uses a working-channel endoscope, inserted through a small posterior or anterior access point, to decompress a nerve root or disc herniation in the neck without the larger exposure of open surgery.

Why it is performed

It treats cervical disc herniation or foraminal stenosis causing arm symptoms, through a smaller access route than ACDF in appropriately selected cases, and can avoid fusion altogether in suitable posterior approaches.

Who may benefit

• Patients with a lateral or foraminal cervical disc herniation causing arm pain, suited to a posterior endoscopic approach
• Patients seeking a motion-preserving, non-fusion option where anatomy allows

When it may not be appropriate

• Central disc herniations with spinal cord compression, which are usually better managed with ACDF or laminoplasty
• Significant cervical instability
• Predominantly axial neck pain without a clear nerve-compression source

Alternatives

• ACDF
• Cervical disc replacement
• Posterior cervical foraminotomy (open or microscopic)

How it is performed

Under imaging guidance, a working channel is placed through a small posterior (or occasionally anterior) incision, and endoscopic instruments are used to remove the offending disc fragment or bone spur and decompress the nerve root.

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia  ·  Typical duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes  ·  Typical hospital stay: 1–2 nights, with same-day discharge possible in select cases

Recovery

Arm symptoms often improve quickly; many patients resume light activity within 1–2 weeks, since no fusion or hardware is involved in the posterior approach.

Physiotherapy

Gentle range-of-motion and postural rehabilitation, progressing as symptoms allow.

Risks and complications

• Nerve irritation
• Incomplete decompression requiring conversion to an open technique
• Infection
• Recurrent herniation

Expected follow-up

Wound check at 2 weeks, clinical review at 6 weeks.

Indicative cost

Indicative cost: ₹3.5 – 6.5 lakh. This is not a quotation — see the full cost page for what's included and excluded.

What affects the cost

• Posterior versus anterior endoscopic approach
• Number of levels
• Equipment and endoscope-related costs

Questions to ask

• Am I a suitable candidate for this specific procedure, or would an alternative be better for my case?
• What is your experience with this procedure?
• What does the quoted cost include and exclude?

Frequently asked questions