Endoscopy and Microscopy, Which Method is Best for Pinched Nerves

Currently, every authorized specialist doctor can take various approaches to apply a certain technique based on his knowledge. As in the case of pinched nerves, nowadays society is closer to invasive methods where many advantages are obtained, namely small surgical wounds, less blood loss, shorter operations, faster recovery.

In the world of neurosurgery and spine, there are two popular types of methods, namely microscopic and endoscopic. Both are the names of the surgeon's tools to see the inside of the patient's body. Both of these approaches are minimally invasive and with a high report rate of over 90%. Microscopic decompression was previously discovered and is still the gold standard in the world of spine surgery, whereas endoscopy has recently been developed.

Endoscopy and microscopy are compatible with MRI or CT scan results that show a herniation located on the lateral edge of the spinal cord. This method is not suitable for patients with segmental instability, deformity, central stenosis, medial location of disc herniation, extradural lesions that address disc or foraminal herniation.

So, not all pinched nerve conditions can be terminated with minimally invasive methods. Therefore, patients need to see a specialist who can perform these two methods. It should be noted that the difference between these two methods is the way of seeing, one using a microscope and the other using an endoscope. In terms of price, endoscopes are more expensive. However, the high price should be considered as a disadvantage for patients whose outcome or rate of improvement is the same.