A Minimally Invasive Alternative to Traditional Back Surgery
If a herniated disc continues to cause leg pain, numbness, or weakness despite physical therapy, medications, and epidural steroid injections, surgery may become the next step.
Fortunately, surgery no longer has to mean a large incision or a lengthy recovery.
Endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows Dr. Todd Koppel to remove the portion of a herniated disc pressing on a spinal nerve through a very small incision using a specialized camera and surgical instruments.
For many patients, this approach results in less tissue disruption, less postoperative discomfort, and a faster recovery compared with traditional open back surgery.
For nearly 30 years, Dr. Todd Koppel has specialized in pain management in New Jersey, helping patients find relief from spine, joint, and nerve related conditions.
What Is Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy?
Endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove the portion of a herniated lumbar disc that is compressing a spinal nerve.
Instead of making a large incision and moving muscles aside as in traditional surgery, Dr. Koppel inserts a narrow tube through a small incision.
A miniature camera provides a magnified view of the surgical area, allowing him to carefully remove the herniated disc fragment while preserving surrounding muscles and healthy tissue.
Because less tissue is disturbed, many patients experience a quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Endoscopic lumbar discectomy may be recommended for patients with:
- Lumbar herniated discs
- Sciatica
- Pinched nerves
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Leg pain caused by nerve compression
- Numbness or tingling in the leg
- Weakness resulting from a compressed spinal nerve
Candidates typically have persistent symptoms despite appropriate conservative treatment.
Is Endoscopic Surgery Right for Me?
You may be a candidate if:
- MRI confirms a herniated disc
- Your symptoms match the imaging findings
- Leg pain continues despite conservative treatment
- Epidural steroid injections have provided little or temporary relief
- Pain is interfering with work, sleep, or everyday activities
Not every herniated disc requires surgery.
Dr. Todd Koppel carefully reviews your symptoms, physical examination, and imaging before recommending any surgical procedure.
Endoscopic vs. Percutaneous Discectomy
Dr. Koppel offers multiple minimally invasive treatment options for herniated discs.
Percutaneous Disc Decompression
Often recommended for contained disc herniations where reducing pressure inside the disc may relieve nerve compression without directly removing disc material.
Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
Often recommended when a larger or extruded disc fragment must be directly removed to relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
The most appropriate procedure depends on your MRI findings and your specific symptoms.
What to Expect
Before Your Procedure
Your consultation includes a careful review of your MRI, previous treatments, and overall health to determine whether endoscopic surgery is appropriate.
You’ll receive instructions regarding medications, eating, and transportation before your procedure.
During Your Procedure
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia with sedation.
A small incision allows specialized instruments and an endoscopic camera to access the affected disc.
Most procedures take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Recovery
- Most patients go home within a few hours of the procedure
- Soreness at the small incision site is normal for a few days
- Leg pain from the compressed nerve typically begins to improve quickly once the disc material is removed
- Some numbness or weakness may take weeks to months to fully resolve, depending on how long the nerve was compressed
- Light activity is usually possible within a few days
- More demanding activity is gradually reintroduced over the following weeks
Why Choose Dr. Todd Koppel?
Choosing the right spine procedure begins with choosing the right surgeon.
For nearly 30 years, Dr. Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey treat herniated discs using both conservative care and minimally invasive spine procedures.
Patients choose Dr. Koppel because he offers:
- Nearly 30 years of experience treating herniated discs
- Fellowship training at the Hospital for Special Surgery
- Expertise in minimally invasive spine procedures
- Personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms and imaging
- A conservative philosophy that prioritizes avoiding surgery whenever appropriate
- Advanced image guided techniques that emphasize precision and tissue preservation
At Garden State Pain Management, every surgical recommendation is made only after conservative treatment options have been carefully considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Precision Is the Difference Between Masking Pain and Actually Stopping It
Living with pain can affect every part of your life, but you don’t have to face it alone.
At Garden State Pain Management, Dr. Todd Koppel takes the time to understand your symptoms, identify the source of your pain, and recommend a personalized treatment plan designed to help you feel better and get back to the activities you enjoy.
Whether you’re experiencing neck pain, back pain, joint pain, or another chronic pain condition, we’re here to help.
Call (973) 473-5752 today to schedule your consultation.
