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Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ of Utah ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ

At U of U ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ, our experience sets us apart from others who provide endoscopic and percutaneous spine surgery. We perform many minimally invasive spine surgeries every year and are a recognized leader in endoscopic and percutaneous spine surgery. 

The Endoscopic and Percutaneous Spine Program provides a minimally invasive approach to treating spinal conditions. These techniques greatly benefit our patients:

  • Better outcomes
  • Lower risks
  • Less pain
  • Faster recovery

Our doctors teach these procedures to other surgeons around the world and publish our techniques and results in academic medical journals. We don't just operate, we innovate. We consistently provide high-quality care, satisfactory results, and the best patient experience for each person we treat.

UTAH'S FIRST
spine surgeon to perform endoscopic spine surgery

MORE THAN 300
endoscopic spine surgeries performed each year

>90% OF PATIENTS
report less pain and better mobility immediately after surgery

"I went into [endoscopic] surgery, got out of surgery, was on the road for an hour and a half, got home, and took a nap. Then I went on the treadmill and walked half a mile, with really no pain at all."
Randy Oldham Endoscopic spine patient
Older woman with medium brown skin hikes in national park with mountains in the background

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

There are many benefits of endoscopic and percutaneous spine surgery:

  • Smaller incision
  • Less muscle trauma
  • Less blood loss
  • Less infection risk
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Quicker recovery time
  • Less reliance on pain medication

Back Pain Conditions & Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

Conditions

Treatments

Meet Our Endoscopic & Percutaneous Spine Program Directors

Schedule a Spine Evaluation

Our spine specialists at U of U ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ will help you determine if surgery is an appropriate treatment for your back issues. At your first evaluation, our specialists will ask you about your medical history and determine whether minimally invasive spine surgery is the best treatment to correct your back pain. 

You will need a referral from your primary care provider or another specialist to make an appointment. Call 801-585-6065 to schedule your evaluation.

Contact the Destination Care Program

The Endoscopic & Percutaneous Spine Program is part of U of U ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ's Destination Care Program. This program offers seamless and coordinated care for your traveling patients by providing one point of contact for system navigation and additional resources. Feel free to contact us:

EmailDestinationCare@hsc.utah.edu
Phone: 801-587-6365

Traveling to Utah?

Let us help you navigate your visit.

View Travel Information

Meet Our Patients

Innovative Spine Surgery Gets Patient Back On the Golf Course, And On the Water

Special agent and golf-enthusiast Paul Weyland spent hours on the golf course unaware of his spine damage. He sought heat-powered Intracept treatment after a rare infection made his pain unbearable.

Read Paul's Story

Active Again—Endoscopic Spine Surgery Changes the Game

Randy Oldham had major back surgery that hospitalized him for two nights. It took him a year and a half to fully come back. When he learned he once again faced back surgery this year following the return of severe pain in his spine, he was devastated and dreading a similar outcome. But this time, Randy turned to U of U ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ for endoscopic spine surgery.

Read Randy's Story

Watch Amy McClosky-McGinley's Story

When confronted with debilitating pain from her herniated disc, Amy sought the expertise of U of U ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ's neurosurgery team for an endoscopic discectomy. Their steadfast support and minimally invasive treatments set her on a path to healing and recovery, allowing her to reclaim her vibrant life.

Hear From Our Specialists

What to Expect After Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Recent biomedical advancements now allow for certain spinal surgeries to be performed via a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. For patients undergoing endoscopic spine surgery, Dr. Mark Mahan explains what to expect during your recovery—including recovery times of only a week or two.

Listen (7 min.)

Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery Right For You?

If you or a loved one are experiencing issues like spinal stenosis or an impacted disc, you may be considering spinal surgery. This may seem like a complicated operation with a very long recovery time, but recent advancements may make an outpatient endoscopic procedure an option for you. Dr. Mark Mahan explains how the procedure is different and whether or not you are a candidate.

Listen (12 min.)