How long is the recovery?
The procedure takes about an hour on average. Most patients need about an hour to recover after the surgery, and then they are free to go home. You will have little if any pain or discomfort; in fact, you won’t even have any stitches! The surgeon will simply cover the incision with a small band-aid.
How soon can you return to work?
Recovery depends on how well you and your body respond to the procedure. Typically, most patients will feel better immediately after surgery and go back to work within a few days. Be careful to listen and comply with your physician’s post-operative instructions. Although you may feel better, it is best to not do any heavy lifting at all until cleared by your physician.
Are you a good candidate for endoscopic foraminoplasty?
To see if you are a good candidate for an Endoscopic Foraminoplasty, take our pain evaluation questionnaire and someone from our office will get back to you within a day.
How is this procedure performed at our Central New Jersey locations?
You will be given local anesthesia, after which the surgeon will insert a dilator into a 1/4 inch incision in your back. The incision will be near the herniated disc. Then the surgeon will insert a 7mm tube, keeping the incision open so the surgeon has access to the damaged disc. An HD camera is inserted into the tube so the surgeon can get a good, clear look at the disc in order to see the issue that’s causing your pain. Next, the surgeon will use microscopic surgical instruments to remove the damaged portion of your disc, facet joint, or any scar tissue that might be present and irritating the spinal nerve. The surgeon can also use a last and radiofrequency probe to decompress the foramen. This will allow the spinal nerve to function again and relieve many painful symptoms you may have been experiencing.
