Endoscopic Spine Surgery Program

The Endoscopic Spine Surgery Program at the Weill Cornell Medicine Brain and Spine Center offers the most advanced, least invasive option for relief of pain and repair of herniated discs and other common spine conditions. Using a specially designed endoscope – a camera mounted at the end of long, thin, flexible tube and fitted with tiny specialized tools – a neurosurgeon can now perform surgery through an incision less than a quarter of an inch long. Dr. Eric Elowitz, a pioneer in minimally invasive spine surgery, founded the Endoscopic Spine Surgery Program at Weill Cornell Medicine; the program now includes Dr. Lynn McGrath and Dr. Ibrahim Hussain, who specialize in minimally invasive techniques. Dr. McGrath and Dr. Hussain are now treating several patients each week with this new ultra-minimally invasive technique. (Dr. Elowitz is not accepting new patients at this time.)

An endoscope consists of a long, telescoping tube with a built-in light and camera as well as a channel through which a surgeon inserts tiny tools as needed

Among the many benefits of spinal endoscopy are:

• Since it doesn’t involve cutting into muscle, the surgery is virtually painless
• It is a same-day surgery with no overnight stay
• Closing the tiny incision requires only one or two stitches, and sometimes only a band-aid closure
• Patients can avoid fusion surgery, thereby retaining full range of movement
• Results are excellent, and most patients are pain-free afterward

To make an appointment to see if you are a candidate for endoscopic surgery, contact Dr. McGrath (212-670-1837) or Dr. Hussain (888-922-2257) or use our online form to request an appointment.

Find out more about the Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Comprehensive Spine Care.

Illustration by Thom Graves, CMI