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Endoscopic discectomy
- Care rated as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ by 97% of orthopaedic patients
- No.1 in London, with more spinal treatments than any other provider
- Appointment confirmed in as little as 24hrs
Endoscopic discectomy at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we’re No.1 in London for private orthopaedic care. We offer fast access to our spinal experts and state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to ensure you get a quick and accurate diagnosis.
You’ll be treated by our leading orthopaedic and neurosurgical consultants, who’ll carefully plan and carry out your endoscopic discectomy using the latest minimally invasive techniques. This approach ensures minimal damage is done to the surrounding soft tissue and provides a quicker recovery time than traditional surgery.
Our dedicated spinal team will be on hand to support your recovery, with follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and a personalised rehabilitation plan to help you get back to doing the things you love.
You’ll be treated by our leading orthopaedic and neurosurgical consultants, who’ll carefully plan and carry out your endoscopic discectomy using the latest minimally invasive techniques. This approach ensures minimal damage is done to the surrounding soft tissue and provides a quicker recovery time than traditional surgery.
Our dedicated spinal team will be on hand to support your recovery, with follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and a personalised rehabilitation plan to help you get back to doing the things you love.
An endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera and specialised instruments to remove part or all of a herniated disc (a type of slipped disc) in the lower back that is pressing on a nerve and causing leg and back pain.
A disc becomes herniated when the tough outer wall of the disc tears and the gel-like core leaks into the spinal canal and interferes with the spinal nerves.
A disc becomes herniated when the tough outer wall of the disc tears and the gel-like core leaks into the spinal canal and interferes with the spinal nerves.
You may need surgery if you have a lumbar (lower back) disc herniation and your consultant has tried non-surgical treatments, such as pain medication, physiotherapy and spinal injections, but they haven’t helped to relieve your symptoms. Symptoms can include back and leg pain (sciatica), muscle weakness in the leg, numbness and tingling.
The surgeon makes a small incision (around 1cm) and passes a narrow, flexible tube with a camera on the end called an endoscope through the incision. The camera provides live images on a screen for the surgeon, who passes tools through the endoscope, or through another tube using another incision, to remove the damaged disc material.
The procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes. It’s often performed as a day case under local anaesthetic with sedation or light general anaesthetic, meaning you can be back home and recovering the same day.
The procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes. It’s often performed as a day case under local anaesthetic with sedation or light general anaesthetic, meaning you can be back home and recovering the same day.
The benefits of having an endoscopic discectomy compared to open spinal surgery include:
- Shorter surgery time
- Quicker recovery time
- One or two small scars instead of one large one
- Less post-operative pain due to minimal damage to surrounding soft tissue
- Hospital stay can be shorter (many patients go home the same day)
- Reduced risk of infection from the small incision site(s)
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic and spinal care
30+
different spinal treatments with care tailored to you
97%
of our patients are likely to recommend us to family and friends
Fast access to specialists
appointments bookable online or by phone
Expert orthopaedic treatments
from specialist spinal consultants
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours
YOUR ENDOSCOPIC DISCECTOMY AT HCA UK
What to expect
From the moment you visit us for your appointment, until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you’ve self-referred or have a referral from your GP, the first step is always an initial consultation with one of our spinal specialists.
At this appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history, carry out a physical examination of your back and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests.
At this appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history, carry out a physical examination of your back and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests.
02
Tests and scans
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the UK’s most comprehensive private diagnostics network.
Your consultant may arrange for you to have an X-ray, an MRI or CT scan, a discography or a low-dose EOSedge™ weight-bearing 3D scan. This cutting-edge technology delivers a real-world view of your spine in your natural standing state while minimising radiation exposure. All these imaging approaches can help your consultant to view your spine in more detail so they can make a diagnosis, while also aiding surgical planning.
Your consultant will share your results with you and recommend the best course of treatment for your symptoms. If an endoscopic discectomy is needed, they’ll explain the procedure to you, ensuring you’re aware of every detail so you know what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
You’ll also be given information on what you need to do to prepare for your surgery.
Your consultant may arrange for you to have an X-ray, an MRI or CT scan, a discography or a low-dose EOSedge™ weight-bearing 3D scan. This cutting-edge technology delivers a real-world view of your spine in your natural standing state while minimising radiation exposure. All these imaging approaches can help your consultant to view your spine in more detail so they can make a diagnosis, while also aiding surgical planning.
Your consultant will share your results with you and recommend the best course of treatment for your symptoms. If an endoscopic discectomy is needed, they’ll explain the procedure to you, ensuring you’re aware of every detail so you know what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
You’ll also be given information on what you need to do to prepare for your surgery.
03
Surgery
We’ll give you either a local anaesthetic with sedation or a light general anaesthetic before your surgery so you’ll be awake but you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. We’ll position you on your side and use a real-time X-ray to guide your surgeon to the correct part of your spine for the incision.
Your surgeon will make a small incision (around 1cm) and pass a narrow, flexible tube with a camera on the end called an endoscope through the incision. The surgeon uses X-ray guidance to accurately navigate the endoscope to the correct location.
The camera provides live images on a screen for the surgeon, who passes tools through the endoscope, or through another tube using another incision, to carefully remove the damaged disc material. They’ll also check in with you, as you’ll be awake, helping to ensure a successful outcome and prevent nerve damage.
Your surgeon will check the nerve has been decompressed and give you a small amount of local anaesthetic and steroid to help with pain relief. The incision(s) are closed with a dissolving stitch.
The procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes.
Your surgeon will make a small incision (around 1cm) and pass a narrow, flexible tube with a camera on the end called an endoscope through the incision. The surgeon uses X-ray guidance to accurately navigate the endoscope to the correct location.
The camera provides live images on a screen for the surgeon, who passes tools through the endoscope, or through another tube using another incision, to carefully remove the damaged disc material. They’ll also check in with you, as you’ll be awake, helping to ensure a successful outcome and prevent nerve damage.
Your surgeon will check the nerve has been decompressed and give you a small amount of local anaesthetic and steroid to help with pain relief. The incision(s) are closed with a dissolving stitch.
The procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes.
04
After surgery
We’ll monitor you closely after your procedure and keep you comfortable with pain relief medication. You should be able to go home on the same day. You won’t be able to drive due to the sedation, so you’ll need to arrange for someone to collect you.
Before you’re discharged, we’ll give you a soft brace to wear to help hold your spine in place after your procedure. We’ll also arrange for you to have follow-up appointments so your consultant can check on your progress.
Before you’re discharged, we’ll give you a soft brace to wear to help hold your spine in place after your procedure. We’ll also arrange for you to have follow-up appointments so your consultant can check on your progress.
Our locations
Where can I have my endoscopic discectomy?
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
Find out more
Endoscopic discectomy FAQs
Most people are able to walk within a few hours of surgery and return home on the same day. Light activities can usually be resumed within several days, with a gradual return to work and gentle exercise over the following weeks. You should avoid any heavy lifting for three months. Your consultant will be able to advise you on this in more detail and provide you with a personalised recovery and rehabilitation plan.
As with any operation, there are risks, although they’re generally lower than with open spinal surgery. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, spinal fluid leak, or recurrence of the disc herniation. Your consultant will discuss these with you in detail before surgery and answer any questions you may have.
It typically takes 60-90 minutes and is done as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home on the same day.
We’ll give you either a local anaesthetic with sedation or a light general anaesthetic before your surgery so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. As it’s a minimally invasive procedure, you’ll experience less pain than traditional surgery. This is due to the minimal damage done to the surrounding soft tissue.
Some soreness and discomfort is to be expected after the procedure, but we’ll give you pain medication to help manage this. Many people experience immediate relief from the original leg pain that was being caused by the herniated disc.
Some soreness and discomfort is to be expected after the procedure, but we’ll give you pain medication to help manage this. Many people experience immediate relief from the original leg pain that was being caused by the herniated disc.
It’s important to keep the back straight and to avoid any bending, twisting and lifting during your recovery period. You’ll also need avoid any strenuous activities, such a jogging, swimming, riding a bike, weightlifting or going to the gym, until your consultant says it’s safe to do so.
You should also avoid driving for up to six weeks after your surgery. Your consultant will advise you on this.
You should also avoid driving for up to six weeks after your surgery. Your consultant will advise you on this.
It depends on the work you do and how your recovery is progressing. If you have a desk-based job, you may be able to return within three to six weeks. If you have a job that includes heavy lifting or operating heavy machinery, you may have to wait up to 12 weeks. Your consultant will be able to advise you on this during a follow-up appointment.
We have consultants who specialise in performing microdiscectomy and in endoscopic discectomy at HCA UK. Your consultant will always recommend the best procedure for your condition and medical history. They’ll be happy to discuss both procedures with you and you’re welcome to ask any questions you may have.
Our patients’ stories
Back on track: How surgery helped a visitor from America get free from pain
Brandon Zuck had just arrived in the UK from America. It was the beginning of a holiday he’d been looking forward to, a chance to catch up with friends, a little sightseeing. Needless to say, a complex surgical procedure was not on the must-do list.
Getting back to normal after spinal surgery: Ruth’s story
When consultant spinal surgeon Mr Robert Lee first glanced at the MRI scan of retired music teacher Ruth’s lumbar spine, he did a double take.
Bode's successful spinal surgery at just 14
Bode's (14) surgery fitted her with one titanium and one cobalt chrome rod on either side of her spine held in place by 18 screws. Comparing the before and after X-Rays, they managed to make her spine perfectly straight which Bode says, "was incredible.” She’s now reassuring other young patients with Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis.
“Before the operation, Mr Malik was very confident, very knowledgeable, and answered all my questions. I was a wreck at that time, and he was very patient with me, which was really helpful.”
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