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Minimally Invasive
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What is Minimally Invasive Back Surgery?
Minimally invasive means that the surgery will use the smallest incisions, less tissue dissection and least damage to healthy tissue possible. Traditional spinal surgery uses large open incisions and multiple levels of tissue and muscle dissection to view the spine. Modern, less invasive procedures use a combination of surgical and technological innovations to repair spinal conditions without having to disturb surrounding healthy tissue.Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Procedures
Various procedures will use different types of actual surgical techniques. Most procedures have certain common traits that distinguish them from traditional “open” procedures.The surgeon will not open up the back with a large incision. Multiple small incisions will be made around the surgical site and the surgeon will insert hollow catheters into these incisions. Small and precise surgical tools will be inserted through these hollow catheters in order to perform the actual surgical procedure.
The surgeon will not have a direct view of the operation. Instead, the area is viewed using fluoroscopy (live x-ray ) and/or fiber optic technology. These high tech imaging devices allow an excellent high definition view of the procedure.
Many procedures involve the use of laser, ultrasound, electricity or radio wave technology in order to accomplish the surgical goal. These treatments can often be administered using needles, thin wires or tiny incisions.
Some procedures can be done through the abdomen, eliminating the need to disturb any of the sensitive and complex musculature of the back.
Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Benefits
Procedures that create less damage to healthy tissue will allow the patient to recover much faster. Small surgical wounds heal much quicker than large open incisions. These smaller surgical wounds have a lessened chance for infection and the development of scar tissue. Of course, the patient will have less post operative pain with smaller incisions and less muscle dissection. All in all, the recovery time after a minimally invasive procedure is more comfortable, safer and much faster than with traditional open surgery.Recommendation on Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
It is obvious that a minimally invasive procedure is preferable to traditional surgery, if it is an option. Some conditions still require traditional surgical techniques to be used. Shop around for your options before undergoing ANY spinal surgery. It is worth it to get the facts and explore the variables before committing to a procedure that will be more damaging to your body. Most back surgeons stay current on the latest technologies and procedures used in these less invasive procedures. If your doctor is not ready to offer you a minimally invasive option, it is advisable to get a second opinion.