Keyhole endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small incision (5-15 mm) and a specialised camera to allow the surgeon to treat selected spinal conditions.
Dr Gee Teak Sheng is a Consultant Neurological & Spine Surgeon at Pantai Hospital Penang, with a focus on endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery. Treatment is tailored to each patient’s symptoms, clinical examination and MRI findings.
Not every patient needs surgery, and not every spinal condition is suitable for an endoscopic approach. The aim is to identify the cause of the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment for each individual.
Which Spinal Conditions Can Be Treated?
Keyhole endoscopic spine surgery may be suitable for selected patients with conditions that compress or irritate the spinal nerves.
Slipped disc (herniated disc)
A disc can bulge or rupture and press on a nearby nerve, causing pain that travels down the leg or arm, numbness or weakness. In suitable cases, endoscopic surgery can remove the part of the disc responsible for nerve compression.
Lumbar spinal stenosis
This condition involves narrowing of the space available for the nerves in the lower back. Symptoms may include leg pain, numbness, heaviness or difficulty walking, particularly when standing or walking for prolonged periods. Selected patients may benefit from endoscopic decompression to relieve pressure on the nerves.
Sciatica and nerve compression
Sciatica describes pain travelling from the lower back or buttock down the leg, often due to irritation or compression of a spinal nerve. Treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause rather than treating the symptom alone.
Not all patients with these conditions require surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the symptoms, examination findings, MRI results and response to non-surgical treatment.
Benefits and Limitations of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery uses a small incision and a specialised camera to provide a magnified view of the surgical area. For appropriately selected patients, it may allow the surgeon to treat nerve compression while limiting disruption to surrounding muscles and soft tissues.
Potential benefits
- A small surgical incision.
- Less disruption to surrounding muscles and soft tissues in suitable cases.
- The possibility of less postoperative discomfort and a shorter recovery period for some patients.
- Magnified visualisation of the surgical area during the procedure.
- Lower risk of infections
Important limitations
- Endoscopic surgery is not suitable for every spinal condition or every patient.
- Some conditions may be better treated with conventional surgery or another approach.
- As with any spinal operation, risks can include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, persistent symptoms and the possibility of further treatment or surgery.
- Recovery varies according to the underlying condition, the procedure performed and the patient’s overall health.
The safest and most appropriate surgical approach is the one that addresses the patient’s condition effectively. Endoscopic surgery is a technique, not a guarantee of a better outcome.
Planning a Spine Consultation in Penang
If you have persistent back pain, sciatica, numbness, weakness or difficulty walking, a specialist assessment can help identify the cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.
If you already have an MRI of your spine, you may contact the clinic to enquire about a free preliminary MRI review. This may be helpful if you live far from Penang and would like initial guidance before travelling.
A preliminary MRI review does not replace a clinical consultation. Treatment recommendations depend on your symptoms, physical examination and imaging findings. Surgery is considered only when clinically indicated.