(Vienna, 02 April 2026) Endoscopic spinal surgeries have been performed for the first time at the Department of Neurosurgery at University Hospital Vienna and MedUni Vienna. The procedures were carried out by Fabian Winter and mark an important step in the further development of minimally invasive neurosurgical treatment methods at University Hospital Vienna. Two patients have already been successfully operated on using this procedure without complications.
Endoscopic spinal surgery is one of the most modern procedures for treating selected spinal conditions. Unlike conventional open surgical methods, the procedure is performed via a very small incision using a high-resolution camera and specialised instruments. This allows the affected anatomical structures to be visualised and treated with precision, whilst minimising damage to the surrounding tissue. The key advantages of endoscopic spinal surgery include, in particular, reduced soft tissue trauma, smaller skin incisions, less post-operative pain, and faster mobilisation and recovery for patients. Furthermore, the minimally invasive approach can in many cases reduce the length of hospital stay. The procedure thus opens up new possibilities for gentle yet effective surgical treatment of spinal conditions.
The introduction of this innovative surgical method at the Department of Neurosurgery was also made possible by the Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Karl Rössler. He played a key role in procuring the necessary instruments, thereby creating an essential prerequisite for establishing the procedure at the University Hospital Vienna. The procedures were carried out by Fabian Winter. Endoscopic spinal surgery offers patients a particularly gentle surgical treatment option. The fact that the first two procedures were successful and without complications is a very welcome and important step towards the further establishment of this method at the clinic.
With the successful completion of the first endoscopic spinal surgeries, the Department of Neurosurgery at University Hospital Vienna and MedUni Vienna is further expanding its range of modern, minimally invasive therapeutic procedures. The aim is to offer patients at University Hospital Vienna treatment at the cutting edge of medicine and to integrate innovative surgical techniques specifically into clinical care.