Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for Me?
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) uses the latest advanced technology to treat back pain and neck pain caused by a variety of spinal conditions. Special surgical instruments, devices and advanced imaging techniques are used to visualize and perform the surgery through small incisions. The aim of MISS is to minimize damage to the muscles and surrounding structures enabling faster recovery and less pain.
How is minimally invasive spine surgery better than open spine surgery?
The benefits of MISS over the traditional open spine surgery include:
- Small surgery scars
- Less risk of infection
- Minimal blood loss during the surgery
- Minimal post-operative pain
- Quicker recovery
- Shortens the hospital stay
- Quicker return to work and normal activities
Can my spine condition be treated by minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery may be performed to treat a variety of spine conditions such as:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Scoliosis
- Kyphosis
- Spinal column tumors
- Infection
- Fractures
- Herniated discs
Your doctor will discuss your particular condition and whether you would benefit from minimally invasive surgery.
How is minimally invasive spine surgery performed?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is performed through very small incisions. Through these small incisions, segmental tubular retractors and dilators are inserted to retract muscles away from the operative area and provide access to the affected area of the spine. This minimizes the damage to the muscles and soft tissues and lessens blood loss during the surgery. An endoscope, a thin telescope-like instrument with a video camera on the end is inserted through one of the tiny incisions to provide images of the operation field on the monitor in the operating room. Special tiny surgical instruments are passed through the working channel of the endoscope to perform the surgery. Sometimes surgical microscopes may also be used to magnify the visual field. Once the surgery is complete, the tissues fall back in place, as the various instruments are removed. The incision is then closed and covered with surgical tape.
What are the risks and complications associated with minimally invasive spine surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with minimally invasive spine surgery. The risks and complications of MISS may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or spinal cord injury as well as complications due to general anesthesia.