FAQs

In a lateral disc prolapse tissue slides into the intervertebral foramen. With the TESSYS^® method, this area is accessed very easily and it is therefore the method of choice for these cases.

In contrast, the intervertebral foramen with the conventional surgical method is sometimes more difficult to access.

Most likely yes, because with TESSYS^® and iLESSYS^® nearly all types of disc herniations can be treated successfully.

The endoscopic TESSYS^® method uses a different access route to the disc compared to the classic method. Scar tissue from a previous surgery is most likely not in the way. It is even possible to remove not only the herniated disc, but also this scar tissue in the course of a TESSYS^® surgery. As such, scar tissue can cause severe pain if it compromises nerves, TESSYS^® is a very good technique for a revision disc surgery.

Usually, operation with the TESSYS^® method is also possible when segments of the spine have already been fused or fixed, because access to the herniated disc is achieved through the intervertebral foramen.

Yes, the TESSYS^® method is also suitable for cases of severe obesity, where conventional surgery is sometimes difficult.

Yes, TESSYS^® and iLESSYS^® have now been successfully carried out worldwide in more than 180,000 cases. There are scientific publications that confirm the high success rates, low complication rates and high levels of patient satisfaction^1-4.

1. A. Godschalx und M. Iprenburg, „Transforaminal Endoscopic Surgery in Lumbar Disc Herniation in an Economic Crisisâ The TESSYS Method“ (2008).
2. S Molyneux, H.J. Spens, und Alastair Gibson, „TRANSFORAMINAL ENDOSCOPIC OR MICRO-DISCECTOMY – EARLY RESULTS OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL“, Proceedings of Britspine (2010).
3. Michael Schubert, „Endoscopic transforaminal discectomy. Results of a prospective study with a 2-year follow-up“, eposter Eurospine, Warsaw (2009).
4. T. Hoogland u. a., „Endoscopic transforaminal discectomy for recurrent lumbar disc herniation: a prospective, cohort evaluation of 262 consecutive cases“, Spine 33, Nr. 9 (2008): 973.

Probably not. So far, the oldest patient, who was operated on successfully with the TESSYS^® method, was 94 years old.

Analgo-sedation is a modern anesthesia option that combines a local anesthestic (analgesia) with a tranquilizer (sedation). The patient is pain-free and sleepy, but does not lose consciousness and hence remains responsive. The procedure has fewer risks and side effects than general anesthesia. The really big advantage for disc surgery: The patient becomes alert when the surgeon comes too close to the nerve fibres. With this immediate feedback, nerve damage during surgery is almost completely excluded.

Usually not, you won’t notice much of the intervention and later you will hardly remember any of it. It can be a bit uncomfortable when the surgeon widens your intervertebral foramen with a tiny reamer. The anesthesiologist will be with you during the whole procedure and can adjust the dosage of the medication continuously, in order to ease pain, if needed.

Yes, the procedure can be performed under a local anesthetic. In addition, the anesthesiologist will put you with a tranquilizer in a pleasant slumber. This form of anesthesia is called "analgo-sedation".

Very likely, yes. After an initial period of rest, you will be able to participate in sports again. Actually, a well-trained musculature is very important because it is the best way to stabilize the spine and prevent further back problems. Talk to your doctor about the right time for a return to physical activity and appropriate sports.

That depends on several factors. On the one hand, of course, on the severity of the herniated disc and eventual nerve damages, on the other hand on the nature of your profession - you can return faster to your desk than to physically demanding work. Most patients are back at work after 6 weeks.