Back pain, sciatica, leg numbness or weakness can make everyday activities difficult. In many cases, these problems improve with medicines, physiotherapy, exercise and lifestyle changes. However, when the pain continues or a nerve remains badly compressed, a spine surgeon may advise surgery.

One treatment option is endoscopic spine surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a small cut using a camera and specialised instruments.

Several hospitals in Pune provide endoscopic or minimally invasive spine treatment. Some of the known options include Ruby Hall Clinic, Lopmudra Hospitals, Apollo Hospitals, Dhanashree Hospital, Jehangir Hospital and Sancheti Hospital.

The right hospital and treatment depend on the patient’s MRI findings, symptoms, overall health and the type of spine problem.

What Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

Endoscopic spine surgery is a keyhole procedure used to treat certain spine conditions.

During the surgery, the doctor inserts a thin camera called an endoscope through a small opening. The camera helps the surgeon clearly see the affected disc and compressed nerve on a screen.

Small instruments are then used to remove the part of the disc, bone or tissue pressing on the nerve.

For suitable patients, possible benefits may include:

  • A smaller incision
  • Less damage to nearby muscles
  • Lower blood loss
  • Less pain after surgery
  • Early walking
  • A shorter hospital stay
  • Faster return to daily activities

However, endoscopic surgery is not suitable for every spine problem. The surgeon must first examine the patient and review the MRI scan.

Hospitals for Endoscopic Spine Surgery in Pune

1. Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune

Ruby Hall Clinic is a well-known multispeciality hospital in Pune. It has branches in Sangamwadi, Wanowrie and Hinjawadi.

The hospital provides treatment for brain, spine and nerve-related conditions. Its spine services include endoscopic spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, treatment of spinal injuries, spinal infections and spinal tumours.

Ruby Hall Clinic may be suitable for patients who need advanced hospital facilities, emergency support, intensive care and treatment for complex spine problems.

The final type of surgery is decided only after examining the patient and checking the MRI or CT scan.

2. Lopmudra Hospitals, Pune

Lopmudra Hospitals provide neurosurgery and spine consultations at different locations in Pune.

Patients can visit Lopmudra Hospitals for:

  • Evaluation of persistent back or neck pain
  • Slipped disc consultation
  • Sciatica treatment
  • Review of MRI reports
  • Second opinion before spine surgery
  • Discussion about minimally invasive or endoscopic surgery
  • Follow-up after spine treatment

During the consultation, Dr. Vishal Bhasme checks whether the patient needs medicines, physiotherapy, injections, endoscopic surgery, microdiscectomy, decompression or another treatment.

Not every operation may be performed at the same branch. The exact hospital or surgical facility is selected depending on the procedure, equipment required and the patient’s medical condition.

3. Apollo Hospitals, Pune

Apollo Hospitals in Pune also provides endoscopic spine surgery and other minimally invasive spine procedures.

It may be considered by patients looking for a large multispeciality hospital with access to diagnostic tests, surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

The doctor will first determine whether the patient is suitable for an endoscopic procedure.

4. Dhanashree Hospital

Dhanashree Hospital offers endoscopic spine procedures for selected conditions such as:

  • Lumbar or cervical slipped disc
  • Sciatica
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Nerve compression

Patients should confirm which procedures and facilities are available at the hospital branch before booking treatment.

5. Jehangir Hospital

Jehangir Hospital provides different minimally invasive spine procedures, including microdiscectomy, lumbar decompression and minimally invasive spinal fusion.

Patients specifically looking for full endoscopic spine surgery should ask the surgeon which technique is suitable for their condition.

6. Sancheti Hospital

Sancheti Hospital has a dedicated spine department that treats back pain, spinal injuries, deformities and other spine-related conditions.

The hospital also provides minimally invasive spine surgery. Patients should confirm whether full endoscopic surgery is recommended and available for their particular diagnosis.

Which Spine Problems Can Be Treated with Endoscopic Surgery?

Endoscopic spine surgery may be used in selected patients with:

  • Slipped disc
  • Lumbar disc herniation
  • Sciatica
  • L4-L5 disc problem
  • L5-S1 disc problem
  • Nerve compression
  • Foraminal stenosis
  • Selected cases of spinal canal narrowing
  • Recurrent disc problems
  • Certain neck disc conditions

Many patients with a slipped disc do not need surgery. Medicines, physiotherapy, posture correction, weight management and activity changes often provide relief.

Surgery may be advised when:

  • Pain continues despite proper treatment
  • Numbness or weakness is increasing
  • Walking becomes difficult
  • The nerve is badly compressed
  • The patient develops bladder or bowel problems

When Should You Meet a Spine Surgeon?

You should consult a spine surgeon if you have:

  • Back pain travelling down the leg
  • Neck pain travelling to the arm
  • Long-lasting sciatica
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Weakness in the leg, foot, arm or hand
  • Difficulty walking or standing
  • Pain that does not improve with treatment
  • Repeated episodes of severe back pain

Emergency medical attention is needed if back pain is accompanied by:

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Numbness around the thighs or private area
  • Sudden severe weakness
  • Inability to walk

These symptoms may indicate serious nerve compression.

How to Choose a Hospital for Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Choosing a hospital should not be based only on price or location. Before deciding, ask the following questions.

Is It Really Endoscopic Surgery?

Endoscopic surgery, keyhole surgery, microdiscectomy and minimally invasive surgery are not always the same.

Ask the surgeon:

  • Which procedure will be performed?
  • Will an endoscope or microscope be used?
  • How large will the incision be?
  • Will any implant be required?
  • Is spinal fusion needed?
  • How long will the hospital stay be?

Does the Surgeon Regularly Perform This Procedure?

Hospital facilities are important, but the experience of the surgeon also matters.

Ask whether the surgeon regularly performs the procedure recommended for your condition.

Does the Hospital Have Proper Support?

Depending on the patient’s health and type of surgery, the hospital may need:

  • MRI and CT scan facilities
  • Experienced anaesthesia doctors
  • Operation theatre equipment
  • Intensive care support
  • Emergency services
  • Physiotherapy
  • Rehabilitation support

Is the Treatment Plan Clearly Explained?

The doctor should explain:

  • Why surgery is needed
  • Whether non-surgical treatment can still help
  • Benefits of surgery
  • Possible risks
  • Recovery time
  • Hospital stay
  • Chances of recurrence
  • Approximate treatment cost

Cost of Endoscopic Spine Surgery in Pune

The cost of endoscopic spine surgery can differ from one patient to another.

It depends on:

  • Type of spine problem
  • Level of the spine affected
  • Single-level or multilevel surgery
  • Type of surgical technique
  • Hospital charges
  • Surgeon and anaesthesia fees
  • Room category
  • Required investigations
  • Special equipment
  • Implants, if needed
  • Insurance or cashless approval

A proper cost estimate can be given only after the doctor examines the patient and reviews the MRI scan.

Patients should avoid selecting treatment only because it is the cheapest option. The surgeon’s experience, hospital support and complete treatment plan are equally important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hospital is suitable for endoscopic spine surgery in Pune?

Ruby Hall Clinic, Lopmudra Hospitals, Apollo Hospitals and Dhanashree Hospital are some options patients may consider for endoscopic or minimally invasive spine care.

Jehangir Hospital and Sancheti Hospital also provide advanced spine treatment.

The right hospital depends on the patient’s diagnosis, surgeon, medical condition, insurance, location and type of surgery required.

Does Dr. Vishal Bhasme provide endoscopic spine treatment?

Dr. Vishal Bhasme evaluates patients for conventional, minimally invasive and endoscopic spine procedures.

He consults at Ruby Hall Clinic and Lopmudra Hospitals in Pune. The final procedure and surgery location are decided after examining the patient and reviewing the MRI.

Does every slipped disc need surgery?

No. Most slipped-disc cases are first treated with medicines, physiotherapy, exercise and lifestyle changes.

Surgery may be required when severe pain continues, the nerve remains compressed or weakness starts increasing.

How soon can a patient walk after endoscopic surgery?

Many patients can begin walking on the same day or the next day. However, recovery depends on the type of surgery, age, health and severity of nerve compression.

Can the slipped disc return after surgery?

Surgery removes the part of the disc pressing on the nerve, but it cannot completely stop natural wear and tear of the spine.

Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, improving posture and following the doctor’s advice can reduce future problems.

Consult a Spine Surgeon in Pune

Pune has several hospitals that provide endoscopic and minimally invasive spine treatment.

Patients can consult Dr. Vishal Bhasme at Ruby Hall Clinic and Lopmudra Hospitals for evaluation of slipped disc, sciatica, nerve compression, numbness, weakness and other spine problems.

A clinical examination and MRI review can help decide whether the patient needs medicines, physiotherapy, endoscopic surgery or another form of treatment.

Dr. Vishal Bhasme
MBBS, MS, MCh – Neurosurgery
Consultant Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon

Consultation locations:

  • Ruby Hall Clinic, Sangamwadi, Pune
  • Ruby Hall Clinic, Wanowrie, Pune
  • Lopmudra Hospital, Pashan-Sus, Pune
  • Lopmudra Meera Hospital, Swargate, Pune

Medical disclaimer: This article is meant for general awareness. Treatment decisions should be taken only after consultation with a qualified spine specialist.