Thoracic Endoscopic Spine Surgery

What the procedure is

Thoracic endoscopic spine surgery uses endoscopic access to treat thoracic disc herniations or other mid-back pathology, a region where minimally invasive access is particularly valuable because open thoracic approaches carry more surrounding-structure risk.

Why it is performed

It decompresses a thoracic disc herniation or similar lesion while minimising disruption to the chest wall and paraspinal muscles, in a region where open surgery is more invasive than at other spinal levels.

Who may benefit

• Patients with a symptomatic thoracic disc herniation causing pain, myelopathy or radicular symptoms, confirmed on MRI
• Patients whose anatomy and herniation location are suitable for an endoscopic corridor

When it may not be appropriate

• Large, calcified central thoracic disc herniations with significant cord compression, which may need an open or combined approach
• Cases with associated instability requiring fusion

Alternatives

• Open or microscopic thoracic discectomy
• Continued conservative management for mild, non-progressive cases

How it is performed

Under imaging guidance, a working channel is placed via a postero-lateral or trans-foraminal corridor into the thoracic disc space, and endoscopic instruments remove the herniated material to decompress the spinal cord or nerve root.

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia  ·  Typical duration: Approximately 90–150 minutes, depending on complexity  ·  Typical hospital stay: 2–4 nights

Recovery

Recovery is generally faster than open thoracic discectomy; most patients mobilise within a day or two, with a graded return to activity over 4–8 weeks.

Physiotherapy

A structured, staged rehabilitation programme supporting safe mobilisation and core stability.

Risks and complications

• Nerve or spinal cord irritation
• Dural tear
• Incomplete decompression requiring conversion to an open technique
• Infection

Expected follow-up

Wound check at 2 weeks, clinical and imaging review at 6–8 weeks.

Indicative cost

Indicative cost: ₹4.0 – 7.5 lakh. This is not a quotation — see the full cost page for what's included and excluded.

What affects the cost

• Complexity and calcification of the herniation
• Whether navigation is used
• Hospital tier and ICU requirements

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