Endoscopic Spine Surgery in Lahore

Keyhole spine surgery using an endoscope — smaller incision, less muscle damage, faster recovery, and same-day or next-day discharge. The most advanced minimally invasive spine surgery available in Lahore.

What is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

Endoscopic spine surgery is the most minimally invasive form of spine surgery available today. Using a thin tube (endoscope) less than 8mm in diameter inserted through a keyhole incision, Dr. Waqas Mehdi can directly visualise and decompress compressed nerves and remove herniated disc material — without cutting through back muscles or removing bone.

Unlike traditional open spine surgery which requires large incisions and significant muscle stripping, endoscopic techniques work between the muscle fibres. The result: dramatically less pain, minimal blood loss, and recovery measured in days rather than months.

Dr. Waqas Mehdi is among the few neurosurgeons in Lahore and Pakistan performing full endoscopic spine surgery. He performs endoscopic discectomy (PELD), endoscopic foraminotomy, and endoscopic decompression for lumbar and cervical spine conditions at MidCity Hospital, Lahore.

Who is a Candidate for Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

!Leg pain (sciatica) from lumbar disc herniation — failed conservative treatment

!Back pain with leg numbness or weakness

!Lumbar spinal stenosis causing walking difficulty (neurogenic claudication)

!Cervical disc herniation with arm pain or numbness

!Recurrent disc herniation after previous open surgery

!Foraminal stenosis — nerve exit point narrowing

!Slip disc (prolapsed disc) not responding to 6–12 weeks of physiotherapy

!Patient prefers minimal downtime and fastest possible recovery

Conditions Treated

Lumbar disc herniation (slip disc / prolapsed disc)

Cervical disc herniation

Lumbar spinal stenosis

Foraminal stenosis (nerve pinching at exit point)

Sciatica from disc or bone compression

Degenerative disc disease with nerve compression

Recurrent disc herniation

Lumbar spondylosis with radiculopathy

Endoscopic Procedures Performed by Dr. Waqas Mehdi

PELD – Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

The gold standard endoscopic procedure for lumbar disc herniation. A working channel is placed through a tiny skin incision directly to the herniated disc under X-ray guidance. The endoscope provides direct HD visualisation while the disc fragment compressing the nerve is removed. 90%+ success rate. Patients typically walk the same day and go home within 24 hours.

Endoscopic Foraminal Decompression

For foraminal or far-lateral stenosis where the nerve root is pinched at the exit hole (foramen). The endoscope reaches the narrow foramen and bone/tissue compressing the nerve is removed with micro-tools. Ideal for elderly patients with significant medical comorbidities who cannot tolerate open surgery.

Endoscopic Lumbar Laminotomy / Decompression

For central canal stenosis causing neurogenic claudication. The endoscope decompresses the central spinal canal — removing ligamentum flavum and bone — without destabilising the spine. No fusion required. Patient walks same day.

Full Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy

Endoscopic approach for cervical (neck) disc herniation causing arm pain. A small incision at the back of the neck allows endoscopic removal of the herniated disc fragment pressing on the cervical nerve. Avoids fusion surgery and preserves cervical motion. Same-day or next-day discharge.

Endoscopic Revision Surgery

For recurrent disc herniation or failed open spine surgery (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome). The endoscopic approach navigates scar tissue with much less risk than repeat open surgery. Often the only viable surgical option after multiple previous open procedures.

Recovery & Aftercare

Hospital stay: 1 day (often same-day discharge after lumbar endoscopic discectomy).

Mobilisation: Patients walk within hours of surgery. No bed rest requirement.

Return to light activity: 3–7 days. Return to desk work: 1–2 weeks.

Return to physical work or exercise: 3–6 weeks.

Leg pain (sciatica) typically resolves immediately or within days post-surgery.

No large wound. Stitch removal at 7–10 days. Minimal scarring.

Compare this to open lumbar discectomy: 3–5 days hospital, 6–12 weeks recovery.

Why Choose Dr. Waqas Mehdi?

One of very few neurosurgeons in Lahore performing full endoscopic spine surgery
FCPS Neurosurgeon — specialist training in minimally invasive spine techniques
Personal MRI review at consultation — surgery recommended only when truly indicated
High success rate with PELD and endoscopic decompression procedures
Patients from across Pakistan and overseas choose Dr. Waqas for endoscopic spine surgery
MidCity Hospital, Lahore — Mon to Sat, evenings 6–8 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Is endoscopic spine surgery available in Lahore?

Yes. Dr. Waqas Mehdi performs full endoscopic spine surgery at MidCity Hospital, Lahore. He is among the few neurosurgeons in Pakistan trained in PELD (Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy) and other endoscopic spinal procedures.

Is endoscopic spine surgery better than open surgery?

For suitable cases, endoscopic spine surgery offers significant advantages: smaller incision, less muscle damage, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay (often 1 day vs 3–5 days), and faster return to work. Success rates for disc herniation are comparable to open microdiscectomy. However, not every spine condition can be treated endoscopically — Dr. Waqas will advise which approach is best for your specific MRI findings.

How long is recovery from endoscopic spine surgery?

Most patients are walking within hours and go home the same day or next day. Return to desk work is typically 1–2 weeks. Return to physical labour or exercise is 3–6 weeks. This is significantly faster than open spine surgery.

What is the cost of endoscopic spine surgery in Lahore?

Cost depends on the specific procedure (discectomy, decompression, cervical vs lumbar), equipment used, and hospital stay. Call 0300-8482624 or book a consultation with Dr. Waqas Mehdi for a detailed cost estimate based on your MRI.

Can I get endoscopic spine surgery as an overseas Pakistani?

Yes. Many overseas Pakistanis consult Dr. Waqas online, share their MRI reports, plan the procedure remotely, and fly in for surgery. Endoscopic procedures are ideal for this — surgery and discharge within 1–2 days. See our Online Consultation page.

What is PELD surgery?

PELD stands for Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy. It is the most advanced form of endoscopic surgery for lumbar disc herniation. A tiny working channel is placed through a 7–8mm skin incision directly to the herniated disc. Under endoscopic HD visualisation, the disc fragment compressing the nerve is precisely removed. It has a >90% success rate and patients typically go home the same day.

Book an Appointment

Consult Dr. Waqas Mehdi at MidCity Hospital, Lahore

0300-8482624 042-35407131-6 Ext #282

MidCity Hospital, 3-A Main Jail Road, Opp. Kinnard College, Lahore

Related Services

Endoscopic Discectomy (PELD)Spine Surgery Slip Disc Treatment Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Cervical Spine Surgery Endoscopic vs Open Surgery

Dr. Waqas Mehdi

MBBS, FCPS (Neurosurgery)

Asst. Professor · KEMU · Mayo Hospital

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Endoscopic Spine Surgery in Lahore Pakistan – Dr. Waqas Mehdi

Endoscopic Spine Surgery – Available for Patients Across Pakistan

Dr. Waqas Mehdi, one of the best neurosurgeons in Lahore and Pakistan, provides expert endoscopic spine surgery at MidCity Hospital and Mayo Hospital Lahore. Patients regularly travel from across Pakistan to consult him — including from:

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Dr. Waqas Mehdi (MBBS, FCPS Neurosurgery) is Asst. Professor at King Edward Medical University (KEMU) and Consultant Neurosurgeon at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. His private OPD at MidCity Hospital, 3-A Main Jail Road, Lahore is open for consultations. Call 0300-8482624 or 042-35407131-6 Ext #282 to book an appointment.

Consult Dr. Waqas Mehdi Today

Pakistan's trusted neurosurgeon for brain tumor surgery, spine surgery, and all complex neurological conditions. Book your appointment at MidCity Hospital, Lahore.

Call: 0300-8482624 Book Appointment Online