Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there herniated discs that cannot be operated on endoscopically?

    Many colleagues still hold to the old opinion that certain herniated discs cannot be removed endoscopically. Some colleagues believe that large herniated discs and herniated discs with loose sequestra (loose parts of the herniated disc) lying in the spinal canal cannot be removed by endoscopic disc surgery. That of Dr. Schubert (in cooperation with industry) in the APEX SPINE Center and the surgical techniques developed or improved here enable the endoscopic removal of all herniated discs - regardless of their location or size.
    This means that all types of herniated discs in the area of the entire lumbar spine (lumbar spine) as well as herniated discs in the area of the thoracic spine (thoracic spine) can be safely removed, among other things due to the great experience we have gained in the meantime (more than 4,500 endoscopic disc surgeries).

  • Are there any risks with an endoscopic procedure?

    There are risks associated with any surgical procedure, but complications associated with a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure are usually minor, such as: B. bruising or wound pain, which usually subsides after a few days. More than 4,500 endoscopic procedures on the spine have been performed in the APEX SPINE Center. To date, no major complications have arisen. The things that are usually feared in an open operation, such as permanent limitation of nerve functions, scarring and growth with postoperative pain, instability of the spine, increased risk of infection, bleeding and paralysis, can be ruled out with the minimally invasive procedure.

  • The endoscopic procedure is performed under local anesthesia, is it painful?

    Thanks to the local anesthetic, many complications that could occur during an operation under general anesthesia can be avoided. With the local anesthetic, the anesthetist administers an intravenous drip, which gives the patient a feeling of contentment and is therefore perceived as comfortable. Another advantage of local anesthesia is the fact that the patient is fit again a short time after the procedure - the circulatory system is put under much less strain. If desired, the operation can also be performed under general anesthesia.

  • How long will I be unable to work?

    The duration of the inability to work depends on the previous illness and the surgical procedure performed. Many patients are already able to work a few hours a day (light office work) a week after an endoscopic herniated disc removal. Full recovery is achieved after about 4 weeks on average.

  • I've had open spine surgery before. Is it possible to perform another operation using the endoscopic procedure?

    Endoscopic disc surgery is particularly suitable as a second spinal surgery. In addition to removing the herniated disc that has occurred again, the scar tissue that developed during the first operation can be removed, e.g. with a laser or with a high-frequency probe (Trigger Flex).
    A study in the leading international journal "Spine" by Dr. Hoogland and Dr. Schubert published. Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy for Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation.

  • I found out from my doctor that I had a herniated disc. Where do I go if I need any advice, is it possible to speak to the doctor treating me?

    You can first contact us by phone (0700 - 20 4000 20) or by e-mail (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), we will be happy to provide you with detailed information about the required documents (see anamnesis) and how to proceed. To do this, please fill out the appropriate anamnesis questionnaire and attach the (scanned) written assessment of your magnetic resonance imaging images.
    Lumbar spine anamnesis form
    or des
    Anamnesis form for the cervical spine
    You can also send us the anamnesis form and the report of the findings by e-mail
    Fax 0700 - 20 4000 20 or by
    Mail to Ms. Vebaite
    Helene-Weber-Allee 19
    80637 Munich
    send.
    For the time being, please do not send us any original images or CD ROMs!! You will receive a non-binding, written statement from us with a therapy proposal and a list of costs.

  • How long do I have to wait for an operation appointment?

    An appointment for an operation can usually be made within 2-3 weeks. In exceptional cases, in the case of very acute illnesses and very severe pain, there is the possibility of a faster appointment, within a few days or on the same day.

  • Are the surgical costs covered by all private health insurance companies?What about statutory health insurance?

    Statutory and private health insurers behave very differently when it comes to the assumption of costs and often decide individually which services are assumed and to what extent. Our patients therefore receive a written statement, therapy proposal and list of costs for their insurer in advance and can clarify the question of costs before making an appointment.