One-day Decompression at Allegheny Health Network

Ryan Sauber, MD
Credit: Allegheny Health Network

Surgeons at the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Orthopaedic Institute have been decompressing nerves and removing herniations for years. But now they’re treating these conditions with smaller incisions, quicker recoveries, and less pain.

The team performs minimally invasive surgery at AHN Wexford Hospital using the latest generation of spinal-endoscope technology to relieve patients’ nerve pain. With a state-of-the-art camera to provide ultra-high-definition video from within the spinal canal, surgeons can decompress nerves and have most patients walking out of the hospital the same day.

“This equipment allows us to accomplish the same procedures that we've been doing for years but through a smaller incision and with less trauma to surrounding tissue and muscles,” said Ryan Sauber, MD, orthopaedic surgeon. “That means there’s minimal perioperative pain and instead of a three-month recovery with traditional spine surgery, patients typically resume normal activities in six weeks, including athletes returning to sports.”

Identifying candidates for surgery

People experiencing low back pain, sciatica, compressed nerves, spinal bone spurs, or herniated discs have symptoms such as persistent sharp and throbbing pain, numbness, and weakness in their limbs.

“The disc is a cushion in the spine, and if gets overloaded, it can rupture or tear. When this happens, a piece of the disc shoots out and sits on a nerve. It’s very painful and can drastically disrupt a person’s life,” Sauber said.

Potential candidates for the surgery are patients who don’t obtain relief from conservative treatments — medications, physical therapy, epidural injections, and alternative therapies.

A closer look at the spine

Spinal endoscopes give surgeons a high-definition view of patients’ spines without the need for traditional open back surgery. Surgeons make a 7 mm incision in the lower back then insert the endoscope, which has a camera at the end of it. Next, they feed specialized micro instruments through the endoscope to remove discs, bone spurs, and other damaged tissue.

Another advantage of endoscopic spine surgery is its potential to minimize opioid usage in postoperative pain management because of less trauma to the patient’s body, Dr. Sauber explained. By reducing the need for narcotics, patients can experience a more comfortable recovery process while avoiding the risks associated with painkillers.

“Less anesthesia also means patients go home sooner. Post-procedure, we typically discharge patients just a few hours after surgery, as soon as they can walk,” Dr. Sauber said. “Patients have the continual support of our nurse navigators throughout their recoveries, and we encourage them to remain active as they heal.”

For more information about endoscopic spine surgery at AHN or to make a referral, call 412-359-8657 or email matthew.boss@ahn.org or ashley.davis@ahn.org.