Endoscopic spine surgery in Mexico, a minimally invasive technique available at Spine Center Vallarta
BLOG – DR. NAVARRO
An innovative surgical technique performed by Dr. Gustavo Navarro of Spine Center Vallarta
Endoscopic spine surgery in Mexico, a minimally invasive procedure now available at our Spine Center Vallarta. This surgical technique—performed by our Vertebral Column specialist, Dr. Gustavo Navarro from Spine Center Vallarta — replaces traditional spine surgery. It also has numerous benefits for those with spinal pathologies. In addition, in many cases, this innovative and advanced technique can be the solution to chronic spinal injuries that negatively affect people’s quality and lifestyle.
Such is the case of Amy, a 40-year-old woman from northern California who, since February of this year, has had back pain that has prevented her from continuing her work activities. “I work 24/7 in an aquaculture farm, we raise fish and crustaceans. My job requires me to be in good physical condition. However, for months I suffered from intense back pain that prevented me from continuing with my work” says Amy. “I decided to vacation in Puerto Vallarta, to rest a bit from my work routine. But the pain continued to affect me. It was when, on the recommendation of my relatives, I went to see Dr. Gustavo Navarro.”
When Amy arrived with our spine specialist, Dr. Navarro, she was diagnosed with a herniated disc. For this reason, the first approach of our specialist to Amy’s problem was a conservative treatment. “We started first with physical therapy, mobility exercises, and medications. When this did not give the expected result, we had to change the treatment approach and decided to perform endoscopic spine surgery” added Dr. Navarro.
What is a spinal endoscopy?
Previously, spinal surgery was performed through multiple incisions in the skin with aggressive instruments, which caused a great loss of blood, very long surgical interventions and very painful recoveries. For this reason, currently, minimally invasive spine surgeries are the most recommended by specialists. In addition, the recovery time is faster, the scars are small and the damage to the tissues and muscles is minimal.
Lumbar endoscopic surgery or endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive technique that allows the treatment of lumbar conditions in their entirety, such as disc herniation. It is performed through an incision of about 5 millimeters in the region of the spine. Subsequently, an exploration of the spinal canal begins using a high-definition endoscopic camera, so it is not necessary to make large incisions to access the patient’s spine during the procedure.
How long does an endoscopic spine surgery last, and how is this surgery performed?
Endoscopic spine surgery in Mexico is a minimally invasive surgery in which a small incision is made in the patient’s skin. This incision does not measure more than 1 centimeter and is through which the endoscope is inserted: a thin instrument that has a high-resolution camera and light that is used to explore the spine. Once the joint has been explored, the fragment of the herniated disc is removed and a decompression of the affected nerve is performed. Usually, this procedure lasts about 90 minutes and the patient experiences a 50% improvement at 2 hours after the procedure.
What pathologies can be treated with this technique?
There are many conditions that can be treated with this procedure, including:
● Lumbar disc herniations
● Cervical disc herniations
● Fractures in the vertebrae
● Tumors in the vertebrae
● Damage to the cervical canal
● Stenosis
● Low back pain
Advantages and disadvantages of a spinal endoscopy
Advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery
● Less aggressive than open spine surgery
● Less postoperative pain
● Less blood loss
● Can be done by local anesthesia
● Allows for a shorter reincorporation quickly to everyday life and work
● Shorter hospital stay
● Lower risk of infections
Disadvantages of minimally invasive spine surgery
● Nerve or vascular injuries
● Insufficient nerve decompression
● Bruises
● Infections
● Reherniation
What is the recovery like after endoscopic spine surgery?
Recovery after endoscopic spine surgery in Mexico is quick and painless. As it is a minimally invasive surgery procedure, recovery is immediate compared to conventional procedures. In addition, the pain disappears in the first hours after surgery. Patients can start walking the same day as the procedure and are discharged from the hospital 24 hours later. The use of crutches or wheelchairs is not necessary, only the use of a postoperative girdle is recommended. Daily activity recovers during the first week and in less than a month, the patient can already carry out all his activities as usual.
Say goodbye to spinal pain, go to our specialist Dr. Gustavo Navarro
Dr. Gustavo Navarro’s Spine Center is the first spine clinic in Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas dedicated to the comprehensive and conservative treatment of spinal problems. Our specialist Dr. Gustavo Navarro is a Spine surgeon graduated from AOSpine and has extensive professional experience in minimally invasive techniques.
Our Spine Center Vallarta doctors specialize in non-surgical treatments, minimally invasive treatments, and advanced spine surgeries. In addition, there are therapists focused on the treatment of various spinal ailments.
The advantage of coming to us is that we are going to treat the patient in an integral way, helping patients who are afraid of surgery to find other options. From physical therapy to surgery, we use innovative techniques that are found in few places in the Mexican Republic, including large urban areas such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Dr. Gustavo Navarro, Spine Center Vallarta
