Dr. Choll Kim, Spine Surgeon

Dr. Choll Kim, Spine Surgeon An internationally recognized spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive procedures, including
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08/09/2026

Understanding the source of pain after an injury is crucial for effective healing.

Granulation tissue, which should be avascular and white, can become red and painful if it's associated with a tear. This redness indicates the formation of scar tissue, which can drag in blood vessels and pathologic nerve fibers (C pain fibers). These naked nerve fibers are often the culprits behind the pain of inflammation.

Recognizing these physiological processes is key to addressing discomfort and promoting proper recovery.


www.ExcelSpine.com

Medical Disclaimer:
The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

08/08/2026

Articulating instruments are a game-changer! Surgeons gain enhanced maneuverability, preserving the field of view even when moving the entire endoscope. This is a significant advantage, especially for patients with extensive adhesions due to chronic inflammation.

www.excelspine.com

Medical Disclaimer:
The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician–patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

08/07/2026

Watch the ligamentum flavum closes up as I move the endoscope out of the surgical site... followed by looking for the critical 'empty tent sign' for weak annulus tissue in the disc. Follow for more spine surgery insight!
www.ExcelSpine.com
Medical Disclaimer:
The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

08/06/2026

Is the Laser a gimmick or does it really work? How effective is the radiofrequency probe? Watch me tackle pathologic tissue, it's like debriding an infected wound. The results are undeniable, watch more of my surgery videos on YouTube!

www.ExcelSpine.com

Medical Disclaimer:
The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

Industry Disclosure:
Dr. Choll W. Kim serves as a paid consultant to medical device companies that may be referenced in this video. He may receive compensation for his professional services. The views and opinions expressed are his own and do not represent those of any company.

08/06/2026

Having my assistant hold the endoscope as I remove a big piece of loose disc fragment during a discectomy. This one just kept on giving!!! After a long while or pulling out loose fragments, the central nervous system looks so much happier, watch it pulsate and move freely like it should.



www.ExcelSpine.com

Medical Disclaimer:

The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

08/05/2026

Redness due to inflammation after injury. It’s the body’s response to try to heal itself. During surgery, sometimes it’s about what you DON’T do. I see an area that’s a little suspicious but I don’t want to strip it of its blood supply, that would be barbaric.

One little stitch and then the skin glue, and the surgery went absolutely beautifully. We’re all expecting a great result and praying for a speedy recovery. Save this if you or someone you know is dealing with this.

www.ExcelSpine.com



Medical Disclaimer:

The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

08/05/2026

Back pain without surgery with endoscopic spine surgery techniques to gently clear a cavity. I move delicately, like taking gum out of s**g carpet, following the firmer white normal area and working through an emptier space. If it was not empty, I would be pushing through a centimeter thick wall of dense collagen, which would take forever. Sometimes it feels like a pimple wanting to pop. It is not going to come out in one piece. It is a total cavity right here. Save this if you or someone you know is dealing with this.

www.ExcelSpine.com
Medical Disclaimer:
The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

08/04/2026

When I look at an MRI with collapsed discs, fusion surgery is often what gets recommended, and it is reasonable, but many patients do not want screws, rods, and cages in their back because that removes mobility. In cases like this, some patients ask if I can instead do a very meticulous, careful foraminectomy to widen the opening around the compressed nerve without destabilizing the spine any further. It is tricky because the nerve is right there, so I’ll need to be 3X more careful than usual. Wish me luck.

Share this if someone you know is exploring spine surgery options.



www.ExcelSpine.com

Medical Disclaimer:
The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

08/04/2026

This procedure addresses three levels through just two small incisions. I used one entry for a computer navigation tracking pin, and then was able to address the three four, four five, and five one levels through the same second incision. It was a lot of work, but with careful neuromonitoring and meticulous technique, it went absolutely beautifully. I am really expecting a great result and praying for a speedy recovery for this patient. Follow for more on spine health.

www.ExcelSpine.com



Medical Disclaimer:

The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

08/03/2026

For this difficult endoscopic spine surgery, I have to be extra careful because the exiting nerve root is right there and is easily irritated. This is a bad disc at L3-L4, the highest and worst level. Your nerve is so irritated, and you can see all the redness where it’s stuck down. I will release that and remove the bone spurs. Follow for more on spine health.



www.ExcelSpine.com

Medical Disclaimer:

The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

Address

6719 Alvarado Road, Ste 304
San Diego, CA
92120

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16193446918

Website

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