Keyhole widening of a narrowed lumbar spinal canal. Less tissue damage and faster recovery than open decompression.
Lumbar spinal stenosis narrows the canal that houses the spinal nerves, causing leg pain, cramping, or weakness when walking. Endoscopic lumbar decompression removes the tissue pressing on the nerves — ligament, bone spur, or thickened joint — through a narrow tube placed via a small skin incision.
You'll arrive and be prepared for theatre in the morning. The procedure takes 60–120 minutes depending on the levels being treated. Mr. Rath works with continuous fluid irrigation and high-definition camera magnification for precise removal of the compressing tissue.
We'll review your mobility and pain levels before discharge. Most patients walk to the car the same afternoon.
Endoscopic decompression is technically demanding at the spinal canal level. Mr. Rath's high-volume practice in the North West means consistent technique and reproducible outcomes. We plan each surgery using pre-operative MRI and CT to target exactly the tissue causing your symptoms.
Mr. Rath will explain the specific risks relevant to your anatomy at your consultation.
Day of surgery · Same day discharge
Most patients walk out within a few hours and return home comfortably.
Week 1 · 7 days
Short walks encouraged. Avoid prolonged sitting or bending. Wound care is minimal.
Week 2-4 · 21 days
Return to low-impact activity. Physiotherapy begins around week 4 to rebuild strength and conditioning. Walking distance often improves noticeably.
Week 6 · 6 weeks
Phase-wise return to normal activity guided by Mr. Rath at the 6-week review.
Open laminectomy requires cutting and stripping the back muscles. The endoscopic approach accesses the canal through a small tube, causing far less muscle damage and enabling same-day discharge.
Yes, Mr. Rath is able to decompress both sides of the canal in a single procedure where required.
Online and in-clinic consultations available across the North West.
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