Endoscopic Discectomy in the lumbar spine can be carried out either from the side (transforaminal) or the back (interlaminar) approach, based on the specific location of the disc hernia. Both techniques have a very high success rate (above 90%), but in certain circumstances the transforaminal approach is superior and more effective than the interlaminar approach. The transforaminal approach can also be safely done under local anaesthetic and sedation.

Evidence has shown that endoscopic discectomy is superior to microscopic discectomy (including tubular microdiscectomy) in terms of lower complications rate and better patients’ satisfaction.  In particular adhesions around nerve tissues which are a well-recognised issue with open surgery and infection, are almost negligible in endoscopic surgery.