Foraminal Stenosis

When Should Neural Foraminal Stenosis Surgery Be Considered?

Neural foraminal stenosis surgery is generally reserved for patients who have poor quality of life because of pain and weakness. When patients complain about inability to walk for extended periods of time without sitting, they are usually at the point when surgery for foraminal narrowing should be considered.

How Is Neural Foraminal Stenosis Surgery Operated?

Surgery is traditionally done with an open procedure, meaning the surgeon makes a large incision in the skin and cuts away muscle to gain access to the narrowing. Thanks to the advancement of endoscopic technology, today surgery can be performed endoscopically, meaning only a very small incision is needed for the surgeon to perform the surgery. During endoscopic surgery for foraminal narrowing, the surgeon uses a tiny camera to see inside the spine and the surgery is done with great precision.

Endoscopic Foraminotomy

The procedure begins with the patient being brought to the operating room and administered intravenous sedation. A local anesthesia is given to the patient and a small metal tube, about the size of a pencil, is gently inserted into the neuroforamen. The surgeon will be able to use this tube to insert the surgical tools that will be needed to remove the debris causing the narrowing. The problem is located and isolated with the use of a camera, and under direct vision the bone spurs, scars, or ligament overgrowth is removed. The tube is then removed and the incision is closed with one or two stitches.

Upon completion, the patient is encouraged to walk around and is free to leave the surgical center, with a companion, the same day. After a follow-up visit with the surgeon the next day, the patient can go home for a quick recovery.

Overall, the endoscopic procedure for decompression is among the most rewarding spine surgery options. After an endoscopic foraminal procedure, most of our patients can easily resume a normal lifestyle.

Are You a Candidate for Foraminal Stenosis Surgery?

If non surgical foraminal stenosis treatment fails to reduce your pain and other symptoms, you may be a surgical candidate. Our simple 3 step candidacy checking tool can get you started on a path to recovery in just minutes.

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