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Endoscopic Spinal Surgery for Bulging Discs. Input?

Posted by midge2026 @midge2026, Feb 12 9:39pm

I have bulging discs at T12 and L1, L2 and am considering endoscopic spinal surgery. I am a 87, female, and would like to learn more about this surgery, the success/failure rate and recovery.

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Profile picture for jlssurplus
jlssurplus | @jlssurplus | Feb 13 6:42am

What kind of surgery?
At 87 depending on the surgery I would definately go that way if possible due to recovery time.
Open back surgery can be a tough recovery.
Find a Dr. who does a lot of that type
I had minimally invasive lumbar decompression on 3 levels. It didn't do what I had hoped but was worth a shot.
The surgical recovery was really easy due to the endoscopy, probably hurt less than the stenosis I have.

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2 replies
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midge2026 | @midge2026 | Feb 13 3:27pm
In reply to @jlssurplus "What kind of surgery? At 87 depending on the surgery I would definately go that way..." + (show)
Profile picture for jlssurplus @jlssurplus

What kind of surgery?
At 87 depending on the surgery I would definately go that way if possible due to recovery time.
Open back surgery can be a tough recovery.
Find a Dr. who does a lot of that type
I had minimally invasive lumbar decompression on 3 levels. It didn't do what I had hoped but was worth a shot.
The surgical recovery was really easy due to the endoscopy, probably hurt less than the stenosis I have.

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@jlssurplus The endoscopic surgery will involve a small back incision to cut away the bulging disc that is pressing on my nerve and causing my pain. This will be done on two different discs. I am concerned about the surgery but I’m even more concerned about the estimated three hours that I will be under general anesthesia - considering that I am 87 years old.

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2 replies
Profile picture for jlssurplus
jlssurplus | @jlssurplus | Feb 13 5:11pm
In reply to @midge2026 "@jlssurplus The endoscopic surgery will involve a small back incision to cut away the bulging disc..." + (show)
Profile picture for midge2026 @midge2026

@jlssurplus The endoscopic surgery will involve a small back incision to cut away the bulging disc that is pressing on my nerve and causing my pain. This will be done on two different discs. I am concerned about the surgery but I’m even more concerned about the estimated three hours that I will be under general anesthesia - considering that I am 87 years old.

Jump to this post

@midge2026
That sounds like a microdiscectomy.
3 hours seems long, but that may be the total time so actual under time may be less.
I think mine was about 2 hours
As far as back surgery goes it is a pretty common with good results as it is not super invasive.
What have you tried as far as treatments?
Like PT, Epidural Shots, medications?
Surgery for me is the very last option.
I would definately get more than 1 opinion if you haven't already.

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Profile picture for marybuzz
marybuzz | @marybuzz | Feb 19 11:13pm
In reply to @jlssurplus "What kind of surgery? At 87 depending on the surgery I would definately go that way..." + (show)
Profile picture for jlssurplus @jlssurplus

What kind of surgery?
At 87 depending on the surgery I would definately go that way if possible due to recovery time.
Open back surgery can be a tough recovery.
Find a Dr. who does a lot of that type
I had minimally invasive lumbar decompression on 3 levels. It didn't do what I had hoped but was worth a shot.
The surgical recovery was really easy due to the endoscopy, probably hurt less than the stenosis I have.

Jump to this post

@jlssurplus where did you go that did minimally invasive on 3 levels? I am desperate to find someplace for minimally invasive on 4 levels.

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jlssurplus | @jlssurplus | Feb 20 6:50am
In reply to @marybuzz "@jlssurplus where did you go that did minimally invasive on 3 levels? I am desperate to..." + (show)
Profile picture for marybuzz @marybuzz

@jlssurplus where did you go that did minimally invasive on 3 levels? I am desperate to find someplace for minimally invasive on 4 levels.

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@marybuzz
I am in Minneapolis, MN
I went to Summit Orthopedics, Dr. Strothman
He fixed my wifes back after another Dr messed it up and then another fusion.
Very well known and personable
I have also have seen Dr. Mehbod at Twin City Spine who is excellent.

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Feb 23 10:31am
In reply to @midge2026 "@jlssurplus The endoscopic surgery will involve a small back incision to cut away the bulging disc..." + (show)
Profile picture for midge2026 @midge2026

@jlssurplus The endoscopic surgery will involve a small back incision to cut away the bulging disc that is pressing on my nerve and causing my pain. This will be done on two different discs. I am concerned about the surgery but I’m even more concerned about the estimated three hours that I will be under general anesthesia - considering that I am 87 years old.

Jump to this post

@midge2026 you are correct to concern yourself with 3 hours of anesthesia at 87. Recovery from these minimally invasive approaches are much less than open ones. But don’t be surprised if you suffer some mental deficits due to the anesthesia. Here is some info to help you understand.
https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/preparing-for-surgery/risks/age/

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