Here are five points:
1. The procedure entails surgeons using an endoscope to remove herniated disc fragments.
2. Due to the small incision, surgeons can reach the disc without damaging nearby ligaments, bones and muscles.
3. Surgeons in Europe have been performing transforaminal endoscopic discectomies for nearly 10 years.
4. During a fellowship tour in the Netherlands and Germany, Dr. Houle learned the ins-and-outs of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy from two physicians.
5. Last summer, Dr. Houle performed the surgery for the first time at Cape Cod Hospital. Since then, he has performed the surgery nearly 50 times.
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