Endoscopic Spine Surgery at Gangnam Nanoori International SPINE & JOINT Center

What Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

Endoscopic Spine Surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small camera (endoscope) and specialized tools inserted through a tiny incision to treat spinal disorders. This method allows surgeons to precisely remove disc herniations or relieve nerve compression with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.

Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery

• Minimal Incision: Surgery is performed through a tiny skin opening, often less than 1 cm in size.
• Faster Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks.
• Lower Risk of Complications: Reduced tissue damage means fewer infections and complications.
• Preserved Spinal Integrity: Less bone and ligament removal preserves spine function.
• Same-Day Discharge: Many patients are discharged the same day of surgery.

Cost of Endoscopic Spine Surgery in South Korea

South Korea offers cutting-edge endoscopic procedures at globally attractive rates.

Estimated treatment costs include:

• Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: $10,000–$15,000 USD
• Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy: $12,000–$17,000 USD
• Full Endoscopic Decompression: $13,000–$18,000 USD

All procedures are performed using HD camera systems, fluoroscopic navigation, and real-time neuromonitoring.

Considerations Before Undergoing Endoscopic Surgery

• Limited Application: Not suitable for all spinal conditions or large disc herniations.
• Surgeon Skill Required: A highly trained specialist is essential for optimal results.
• Imaging Accuracy: High-quality MRI/CT scans are needed to plan the procedure.
• Initial Soreness: Mild postoperative soreness may persist for a few days but typically resolves quickly.

Common Endoscopic Spine Procedures Offered

1. Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

A high-precision procedure for removing herniated disc fragments that compress nerves in the lower back. The surgeon uses a working channel endoscope and micro-instruments, allowing for minimal trauma and same-day discharge.

2. Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy

Targets disc herniation in the neck through a small incision, often avoiding general anesthesia. It minimizes damage to muscles and vessels and is ideal for patients needing fast recovery with minimal neck mobility loss.

3. Endoscopic Foraminotomy

A technique to widen the foramen—the opening where spinal nerves exit—by removing overgrown bone or soft tissue. Particularly effective in relieving radiating arm or leg pain due to foraminal stenosis.

4. Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery (BESS)

Involves two small incisions, allowing simultaneous visualization and instrumentation. Provides more flexibility for complex conditions like severe stenosis or multi-level compression while still minimizing tissue disruption.

5. Endoscopic Spinal Stenosis Decompression

Removes thickened ligaments and small bone fragments compressing the central canal. Useful in elderly patients and those requiring multi-level decompression without fusion.

Expert Medical Team

Our endoscopic spine surgeons are among the most experienced in Asia, having performed thousands of successful minimally invasive procedures. Many of them have trained internationally in leading spine centers across Germany, Japan, and the United States. They specialize in both uniportal and biportal endoscopic systems, and are adept at managing everything from simple disc herniations to complex multi-level decompressions. The team collaborates closely with anesthesiologists, radiologists, and physical therapists to create a holistic treatment pathway that emphasizes patient safety, rapid recovery, and long-term spinal health.

International Patient Support

The center offers a dedicated International Patient Service to help overseas patients with:

• Multilingual staff (English, Russian, Mongolian, and more)
• Assistance with medical visas and travel arrangements
• Personalized care coordination from consultation through post-treatment recovery
• Online medical consultations for pre-evaluation

Location & Contact

• Address: 731 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Phone (Intl): +82-10-6290-9796
• Email: ihc_info@mfnanoori.co.kr
• Website: ihc.nanoori.co.kr