Endoscopic Discectomy (PELD) in Lahore
Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy — keyhole disc surgery through an 8mm incision. Same-day discharge. Walk within hours.
کمر کا آپریشن بغیر بڑے چیرے کے — Dr. Waqas Mehdi
Slip disc surgery through an 8mm keyhole incision using German endoscope technology. Most patients go home the same day.
Video Summary (Urdu): کیا آپ کمر کے درد یا سلِپ ڈسک کی وجہ سے پریشان ہیں؟ اب روایتی بڑے آپریشن کی ضرورت نہیں — صرف 8 ملی میٹر کا چھوٹا چیرا، جدید جرمن اینڈوسکوپ ٹیکنالوجی، تقریباً بغیر خون کے آپریشن، اور پٹھوں یا ہڈی کو نقصان پہنچائے بغیر علاج۔ جدید علاج، تیز ریکوری، بہتر زندگی۔
What is Endoscopic Discectomy (PELD)?
PELD (Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy) is the most minimally invasive surgical treatment for a herniated (slipped) lumbar disc. It is performed through a tiny 7–8mm skin incision — smaller than your fingernail — under local or general anaesthesia.
Using live X-ray (fluoroscopy) guidance, a working tube is placed directly onto the affected disc. A high-definition endoscope is then passed through the tube, giving Dr. Waqas Mehdi a magnified view of the herniated disc and the compressed nerve. Specialised micro-instruments remove the disc fragment that is pressing on the nerve, providing immediate relief.
The entire procedure takes 45–90 minutes. Because no muscles are cut and no bone is removed, patients typically stand and walk within hours of surgery and go home the same day or the following morning.
Dr. Waqas Mehdi performs PELD at MidCity Hospital, Lahore and is among the few neurosurgeons in Pakistan offering this advanced technique as routine care.
When is PELD / Endoscopic Discectomy Recommended?
How PELD is Performed — Step by Step
Pre-operative MRI review
Dr. Waqas reviews your MRI carefully to plan the exact approach, entry angle, and level. The procedure is customised to the type and location of your disc herniation.
Anaesthesia
PELD can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. Most lumbar procedures use local — you can communicate with Dr. Waqas during the procedure, confirming nerve decompression.
Guided access to the disc
A needle is placed through a 7–8mm skin incision under live X-ray guidance. A working channel is positioned at the disc — approaching from the side without cutting through back muscles.
Endoscopic disc removal
The HD endoscope is passed through the tube. Dr. Waqas directly visualises the herniated disc fragment and the compressed nerve under magnification and removes the disc material using micro-forceps and a radiofrequency probe.
Confirmation and closure
The decompressed nerve is inspected to confirm it is free and pulsating normally. The 7–8mm incision is closed with one or two sutures. No drain required. Total procedure time: 45–90 minutes.
Recovery After Endoscopic Discectomy
Day of surgery: Walk to the bathroom within 2–4 hours. Most patients eat normally the same evening.
Discharge: Same day (for early morning cases) or next morning.
Week 1: Light activity at home. Short walks encouraged. Avoid bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting.
Week 2: Suture removal. Return to desk / office work for most patients.
Week 3–6: Gradual return to driving, light exercise, and non-physical work.
Week 6–12: Return to physical labour, sports, or heavy lifting after physiotherapy clearance.
Sciatica (leg pain/numbness): Typically resolves within hours to days. Some residual tingling can persist for a few weeks as the nerve heals.
Compare to open microdiscectomy: PELD patients leave 2–3 days earlier and return to work 4–6 weeks sooner on average.
Why Choose Dr. Waqas Mehdi for PELD?
- FCPS Neurosurgeon with dedicated training in PELD and endoscopic spine techniques
- One of very few surgeons in Lahore/Pakistan offering full endoscopic discectomy as routine care
- Personal MRI review — Dr. Waqas explains exactly what is compressed and whether PELD is suitable
- High success rate with PELD — >90% relief of sciatica, comparable to open surgery
- Patients from across Pakistan, Middle East and Europe for PELD
- MidCity Hospital, Lahore — private consultations Mon to Sat, 6–8 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PELD available in Lahore, Pakistan?
What is the difference between PELD and microdiscectomy?
Am I a candidate for PELD?
What is the success rate of PELD?
How much does PELD cost in Lahore?
Is endoscopic discectomy painful?
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Pakistan's trusted neurosurgeon for brain tumor surgery, spine surgery, and all complex neurological conditions. Book your appointment at MidCity Hospital, Lahore.