Endoscopic Spine Surgery South Australia

What is ESS?

• Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) is an ultra-minimally invasive (keyhole) form of spine surgery, combining tiny incisions with high-definition endoscopic visualisation of spinal anatomy and pathology.
• Encompasses discectomy, decompression/laminectomy and even spinal fusion.

Why consider ESS?

• Less trauma to the muscles and soft tissue on approaching the pathology.
• Less post-operative pain related to the procedure itself.
• Quicker recovery and return to activities (such as driving and work).
• Shorter hospital stay (day cases possible).
• Reduced surgical risks (including dural tear/CSF leak, infection and bleeding).
• Tiny incision (~8 mm).
• Equally as effective as open surgery from a pain resolution perspective.
• Recurrence rate of disc herniation is no worse than open surgery.
• Can be done under local anaesthesia, making ESS an option for patients who would otherwise be deemed too high-risk for a general anaesthetic.

ESS Limitations:

• Cannot replace traditional spine surgery in the setting of severe spinal deformity, mechanical instability and trauma.
• Only performed by highly trained Spinal Surgeons (ESS is an evolving field of spine surgery).
• Long term outcomes are still being determined.

How is ESS performed?

• ESS requires specialised equipment (endoscopic spine stack and endoscope), which is presently only available at The Memorial Hospital.
• Dr Tsimiklis uses the joimax® full endoscopic spine surgery system, which is state of the art and market-leading equipment.
• Support through industry with distribution of joimax® equipment by LifeHealthcare.
• Ongoing education and keeping up to date with research through the Endoscopic Spine Academy.

The Future of ESS

• Growth of the ESS community in SA (training of other Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeons and Neurosurgeons with support by Dr Tsimiklis).
• Further development in advanced ESS techniques including cervical and thoracic spine surgery.
• Procurement of necessary equipment through SA Health so that public patients can also benefit from ESS both at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre.

Videos about ESS

• Interview by the Neurosurgical Research Foundation (NRF) with Dr Tsimiklis regarding Endoscopic Spine Surgery.
• Presentation by Dr Tsimiklis delivered at Therapia Sports and Spine regarding Endoscopic Spine Surgery.
• Dr Tsimiklis' “Update on Endoscopic Spine Surgery in South Australia” presentation for NRF Research Showcase 2024.
• Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD): Video demonstrating the most common endoscopic technique used by Dr Tsimiklis for management of lumbar disc herniation.
• joimax® website: Patient testimonials, statements from surgeons, animated procedure videos and live surgery recordings.

ESS Links

• ESPINEA: Endoscopic Spine Academy.
• joimax®: The company that makes the endoscopic spine stack that Dr Tsimiklis uses.
• LifeHealthcare: The company that distributes the joimax® stack to hospitals and has supported Dr Tsimiklis with his ESS education/training.

Referral

If you would like an opinion from Dr Tsimiklis regarding your spinal condition and suitability for endoscopic spine surgery, you may send a message via our enquiry form on the contact page or obtain a formal referral from your GP to see Dr Tsimiklis.