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Minimally Invasive & Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive "keyhole" surgery of the spine

At Coastal Neurosurgery in North Gosford, we are committed to offering the most advanced and effective treatments for spine conditions

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) represents one of the most significant advancements in spinal care — allowing many patients to achieve excellent outcomes with less pain, faster recovery and reduced disruption to their lives.

Our experienced neurosurgeons perform a wide range of MISS techniques, including endoscopic spine surgery, helping patients across the Central Coast return to activity and comfort as quickly as possible.

Below is an overview of these surgical approaches and how they can help.

At Coastal Neurosurgery, we use advanced intraoperative navigation, high-definition imaging and specialised tools to ensure precision and safety during MISS procedures.

We also work closely with physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists to optimise recovery after surgery.

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) refers to a set of surgical techniques that use small incisions, specialised instruments and advanced imaging to access and treat spinal conditions.

MISS differs from traditional open spine surgery, which often requires larger incisions and significant muscle dissection.

By preserving more of the surrounding anatomy, MISS offers clear advantages for many patients. In Australia and worldwide, MISS has become increasingly popular, with growing evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness.

  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spinal instability
  • Certain spinal tumours
  • Some spinal fractures
  • Persistent back or neck pain
  • Radiating pain in the arms or legs (radiculopathy)
  • Numbness or tingling in the limbs
  • Weakness in the arms or legs
  • Balance problems or gait disturbance
  • Symptoms of spinal cord compression (myelopathy)
  • Age-related degeneration
  • Traumatic injury
  • Congenital spinal abnormalities
  • Previous spinal surgery complications
  • Spinal tumours or cysts
  • While MISS has a lower complication rate than open surgery, risks still include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or the need for further surgery.
  • The success of MISS depends on appropriate patient selection and surgical expertise — which is why choosing a highly experienced team such as Coastal Neurosurgery is essential.
  • Microdiscectomy: removal of herniated disc material through a small incision to relieve nerve compression.
  • Laminectomy / laminotomy: removal of part of the vertebral bone or ligament to decompress the spinal cord or nerves.
  • Spinal fusion: stabilisation of the spine using minimally invasive techniques and instrumentation.
  • Interbody fusion: insertion of a cage or spacer between vertebrae, often done through a small incision in the side or front of the body.
  • Tumour resection: targeted removal of certain benign or malignant spinal tumours.
  • Smaller incisions and minimal muscle damage
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Reduced blood loss
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster return to work and normal activities
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Improved cosmetic outcomes

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery is one of the most advanced forms of MISS. It uses a small tubular camera (endoscope) inserted through a tiny incision to visualise and treat spinal pathology.

Compared to even standard MISS techniques, endoscopic surgery allows for:

  • Ultra-small incisions (as small as 5–10 mm)
  • Minimal disruption of muscles and soft tissues
  • Exceptional visualisation of the surgical field
  • Day surgery or short-stay hospitalisation for many procedures
  • Herniated lumbar or cervical discs
  • Foraminal stenosis (narrowing where nerves exit the spine)
  • Certain spinal cysts
  • Recurrent disc herniations
  • Selected cases of spinal stenosis
  • Radiating arm or leg pain
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
  • Back or neck pain unresponsive to conservative treatment
  • Persistent nerve compression symptoms
  • Disc herniation
  • Degenerative changes in spinal joints
  • Scar tissue formation after prior surgery
  • Space-occupying lesions within or around the spinal canal
  • Though highly safe in experienced hands, risks include infection, dural tear (CSF leak), nerve injury or incomplete symptom relief.
  • Not all spinal conditions are suitable for endoscopic surgery — careful patient selection is key.
  • Endoscopic discectomy: precise removal of herniated disc material under endoscopic guidance.
  • Endoscopic foraminotomy: widening of the nerve exit pathway to relieve compression.
  • Endoscopic decompression: targeted removal of bony or soft tissue elements compressing the spinal canal or nerves.
  • Ultra-minimally invasive — often performed under sedation or light anaesthesia
  • Rapid recovery — many patients return home the same day
  • Minimal postoperative pain and medication use
  • Quicker return to work and normal life
  • Preserved spinal stability and mobility

At Coastal Neurosurgery, our surgeons are among the most experienced on the Central Coast in both MISS and advanced endoscopic spine surgery.

We believe in offering patients the least invasive option suitable for their condition — without compromising on surgical quality or long-term outcomes.

Many patients who once faced large open surgeries can now be treated with MISS techniques, thanks to continuous innovation in this field. At Coastal Neurosurgery, we stay at the forefront of these advancements so that our patients receive world-class care close to home.

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Expert Neurosurgical and Spinal Surgical Care on the Central Coast

Coastal Neurosurgery is a multidisciplinary clinic with a dedicated focus on brain, spine and pain.

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