Epiduroscopically assisted adhesiolysis in the epidural space (epiduroscopy) – top-class procedure performed most often in patients with persistent or newly developed back pain after spinal surgery due to failure of surgical treatment (FBSS, failed back surgery syndrome). Sources of pain are diverse, but it is often epidural fibrosis (or increased amount of tissue) in the spinal canal that irritates the spinal cord or causes narrowing of the epidural space.
How does the procedure work?
Under local anesthesia and under X-ray control, a special needle is inserted through a natural hole in the sacrum (sacral hiatus). The endoscope and surgical instruments are then inserted through the needle. Under constant visual guidance, fibrous tissue is removed by thermal radiofrequency. If there is a narrowing of the epidural space, a balloon catheter is inserted to allow it to be expanded and clarified.
- Procedure without hospitalization
- Procedure under local anesthesia
- Duration of the procedure: from 20 to 60 minutes
What happens after the procedure
- After the procedure, the patient stays in a special resting room for about 120 minutes to rest and then can return home accompanied by another person.
- After the procedure, the patient will receive a medical report, where we recommend a 7-day sick-leave (issued by a general practitioner).
- It is not possible to drive a car in person after the procedure – it is necessary to ensure the patient has someone else to drive them, ideally for the patient to be in the passenger seat with the seat folded back.
- For the first 1-2 days it is recommended to stay in bed, with limited sitting and standing, and during the first week a rest-regime.
- From the 7th day after the operation, the patient enters the postoperative mode with movement recommendations, exercise and physiotherapy.
- Return to normal activities and work is very individual. It depends on the patient’s health condition, the process of soft tissue healing, type of employment, etc. This is usually 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
- We will contact you by phone in 24 hours and 14 days after the procedure.
- Post-op check-up of your health condition at our clinics will take place 5-8 weeks after the operation.
How recovery takes place
The goal of treatment is to achieve relief from back pain by removing or reducing its intensity and thus improve the patient’s quality of life. During recovery, it is necessary to actively participate in the programme of postoperative and physical measures, which will help you recover faster and return to normal life. Your doctor will instruct you in detail about these measures immediately after the procedure. A “hotline” is available for patients immediately after endoscopic surgery, where you can contact a specialist nurse with any questions.
Diagnostic procedure
- Periradicular therapy (PRT)
