For many people, the very mention of spine surgery can be terrifying. It often brings to mind images of long hospital stays, large surgical scars, months of bed rest, or worse paralysis. Because of these fears, many patients choose to live with chronic pain rather than explore surgical treatment.
But here’s the good news: spine surgery has changed dramatically!
Today, we have access to advanced, patient-friendly techniques that make the process far less intimidating—and one such breakthrough is Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE), a minimally invasive technique that is transforming how we treat common spinal conditions like disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spine diseases.
Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE) is a modern, minimally invasive method of treating common spine problems like slipped discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spine conditions.
Unlike traditional spine surgery, which often involves large incisions and cutting through muscles, UBE is performed through two tiny cuts, each roughly the size of a pencil tip/keyhole. One small incision is used to insert a high-definition camera that helps the surgeon see the affected area clearly, while the other is used to insert tools that remove or repair the problem.
This technique allows surgeons to treat the spine with pinpoint precision, without disturbing healthy tissues around it.
Patients who undergo UBE often experience significant relief with minimal discomfort. Here’s why this technique is quickly becoming the preferred option:
Since UBE uses small incisions and avoids cutting through muscles, it causes much less pain during recovery. Most patients are surprised by how quickly they feel better after the procedure.
Because of its precision, UBE leads to very little bleeding during surgery, reducing the risk of complications and making the procedure safer overall.
Patients who undergo traditional spine surgery often stay in bed for weeks. But with UBE, many patients can start walking the very next day. The faster you move, the quicker your body heals.
With less pain and tissue damage, patients usually need fewer pain medications, which means fewer side effects like nausea, drowsiness, or dependency.
In most cases, patients are able to return to work or normal activities within days or a couple of weeks—not months.
It’s important to understand that not everyone with back pain needs surgery. In fact, most spine problems can be managed with rest, physiotherapy, or medications. But when surgery is recommended, check if they have access to safe, effective, and minimally invasive options.
UBE is not just a “new” technique—it’s a major leap forward in how we treat spine problems. Performing UBE requires specialized training, experience, and a detailed understanding of spine anatomy.
At Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road, we’ve been among the early adopters of UBE. Our patients recover better, faster, and with less fear. The response from both doctors and patients has been overwhelmingly positive.
Spine surgery will continue to evolve, but what remains constant is our commitment to doing what’s best for the patient. Techniques like UBE are not just technological breakthroughs, they represent a shift in standards of how we treat spinal disorders: less invasive, more precise, and better outcomes for the human body.
What is UBE in spine surgery?
Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy is a minimally invasive spine surgery done through two tiny cuts using a camera and precise tools to treat disc and spinal problems.
Why do patients prefer UBE?
UBE causes less pain, minimal blood loss, quicker recovery, and fewer painkillers compared to traditional spine surgery.
How small are the cuts in UBE surgery?
The procedure uses two tiny incisions, each about the size of a pencil tip or keyhole.
How fast can I recover after UBE?
Most patients start walking the next day and return to daily activities within days or weeks instead of months.
Does UBE require special training?
Yes, UBE requires skilled surgeons trained in advanced minimally invasive spine techniques.
Is every spine problem treated with UBE?
No, many spine issues improve with rest, physiotherapy, or medicines. UBE is used when surgery is advised.
Dr. Selvin Prabhakar MBBS, MS Orthopaedics, DNB Orthopaedics, MNAMS, FNB – Spine Surgery Kauvery Hospital Chennai – Radial Road
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Radial Road & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 6111 6111 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
