One patient’s recovery highlights benefits of outpatient endoscopic spine surgery

Editor's Note

A 64-year-old patient sought a second opinion with Kern Singh, MD, an orthopedic surgeon, when told he needed a second spine surgery to address complications from a previous procedure. Dr Singh, director of spine surgery at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH in Chicago, performs endoscopic spine surgery in the outpatient setting, NBC News Chicago April 20 reports.

Dr Singh, internationally recognized for minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery expertise, detailed his approach to the news outlet. The endoscopic method, he noted, allows for high-definition visualization of the area, minimizing tissue damage and reducing the need for postoperative narcotics. The high-resolution camera used during the procedure enhances his ability to accurately see and address issues within the spine. “I would say most patients are skeptical,” he said. “They actually don't believe it. But the benefit is there's no muscle cutting. There's almost no narcotics afterwards.”

This less invasive approach reportedly improved the patient’s quality of life during recovery and afterwards—a sharp contrast with the experience of his first procedure, which left him with a significant scar and considerable pain. Reflecting on his patient’s successful recovery in December 2023, Dr Singh emphasized that endoscopic spine surgery is suitable for various spinal conditions, including sciatica, bulging disks, and spinal stenosis. It is suitable even for patients who have had unsuccessful back procedures in the past. “With this procedure, you can address all types of pathology, and people can be back to work the next morning,” he said.