Laser Back Surgery
Laser back surgery is also commonly known as
laser spine surgery.
Lasers have revolutionized numerous medical sectors and many
orthopedic surgeons
and
neurosurgeons
now utilize laser technology to offer
minimally invasive back surgery procedures.
These techniques can accomplish the desired anatomical alterations without the need for antiquated and
barbaric
practices, such as widespread muscular dissection, large surgical incisions and other undesirable aspects of traditional open surgery.Lasers are just tools, however, and although they can be more efficient at performing operations, they can not do anything to overcome many of the most common problems associated with all back surgery techniques, including surgeon error, misdiagnosis and postoperative complications.
Laser Back Surgery Advantages
Lasers can reduce the incidence of some of the most common
back surgery complications,
including
infection
and scarring. Additionally, lasers also allow the least invasive approach in virtually every procedure, since they are extremely precise and versatile as surgical instruments. Lasers can access every conceivable area of the anatomy without the need for the large surgical wounds common to old fashioned operative techniques. This is particularly useful for
spinal surgeons,
since the risk of
nerve damage
is already high during many procedures and the less trauma caused to healthy tissues, the faster the patients can
recover from back surgery.
These are some significant and powerful pluses when considering a laser procedure versus a traditional open technique.
Laser Back Surgery Disadvantages
Laser techniques really do not have any disadvantages when compared to traditional spinal surgery. However all is not perfect in the laser surgery arena. First off, lasers are not utilized in every type of surgical procedure, since in some cases, the surgeon must actually access large areas of the spine through open incisions. However, the number of procedures performed this way continues to decline year over year. The most important negative connotation of laser spine surgery is the simple fact that surgeries are NOT NEEDED in the majority of patients who receive them. In some cases, the diagnosis is correct, but surgery is optional and could easily have been
avoided.
In other patients, the diagnosis is wrong and the procedure is likely to do nothing at all to cure the pain, as it is not directed at the actual symptomatic source. Unsuccessful laser surgery is certainly just as much of a problem as it is with traditional versions of
failed back surgery syndrome.
Laser Back Surgery Advice
If you are confident that you actually require
back surgery
and feel that the operation will indeed provide you with a rare cure, then laser technology is recommended when applicable. Finding a surgeon who offers laser spine surgery will increase the chances that the doctor is up to date on the latest procedural protocols. It will also keep collateral damage to healthy tissues to a minimum and allow you to benefit in the form of a faster surgical recovery. Just remember that no matter how minimally invasive your chosen technique may be, surgery is always a big
risk
and should never be taken lightly. Be sure to talk over the pros and cons with at least a few different doctors before making your final decision. Most of all, if you do decide to proceed, hold your surgeon accountable. Make them give you a definite prognosis and tell them that you will expect this result. This way, you may be more likely to receive an honest assessment of your chances for a positive outcome.
Laser Back Surgery to Back Pain
2/9/11 Revised 2/4/12
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