2. For many patients, laser spine surgery has become
a medically acceptable alternative to what once was
considered the go-to procedure for those suffering
from debilitating symptoms associated with
degenerative spine conditions – spinal fusion.
Perhaps the main reason minimally invasive spine
surgery has taken such hold in recent years is its
dramatic contrast with open spine surgery. This
contrast is evident in almost every aspect.
Minimally invasive spine surgery has the advantage
over open spine surgery before, during, and after
the respective procedures.
3. Preparation for
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Before a patient undergoes minimally invasive
laser spine surgery, he or she already is at an
advantage because there is much evidence that
these types of procedures carry significantly less
risk for infection and other potential
complications. Therefore, the patient is
generally in a better state of mind going into the
minimally invasive procedure, because there is
greater cause for optimism.
4. The Incision
Open spine surgery such as spinal fusion requires an incision of four
inches or more in order for the surgeon to have adequate access to the
spinal anatomy. The incision may be made in the neck, throat, back,
side, or abdomen. Muscles are often cut in the process, which extends
the amount of time required for healing and increases the chance for
infection.
Minimally invasive laser spine surgery, on the other hand, requires
only a small incision – usually less than one inch. No muscle tissue is
dissected, because the muscles are moved aside to make room for the
insertion of the small tubes that provide access for the surgical tools
and an endoscope (camera) to allow the surgeon to perform his or her
work.
5. Anatomical Integrity
Laser spine surgery and other minimally
invasive, outpatient back and neck
procedures typically require the removal of
only the exact portion of the spinal anatomy
that is causing the painful nerve
compression. Open spine operations that
require spinal fusion entail the removal of a
significant portion of spinal
anatomy, followed by the insertion of metal
and plastic stabilizing hardware and bone
graft material intended to permanently
immobilize the affected vertebral segment.
6. Less Risk
As mentioned, a smaller incision is used for laser spine surgery than for
open spine surgery. Because of this, is there is less risk of
infection, nerve damage, internal bleeding, and other problems that
can occur during and after any spine surgery.
Of course, with most minimally invasive procedures, there is absolutely
no risk of one of the most common post-surgical complications in
spinal fusion – hardware or bone graft rejection. This, naturally, is
because when no spinal fusion is done, no stabilizing hardware or
bone graft material is used. That said, in very recent times there are
some surgeons and surgical centers offering minimally invasive spine
stabilization procedures, which are essentially a type of spinal fusion
performed through a small incision and an endoscope.
7. Recovery
One of the greatest advantages of laser spine
surgery when contrasted with open spine
surgery is the much shorter period of time
required for recuperation and recovery. While
spinal fusion can take up to a year for full
recovery, most patients who undergo laser spine
procedures and other minimally invasive spine
surgery are able to return to reasonable activity
at work or in the home within one month.
8. One Drawback
One potential drawback of laser spine surgery and other minimally
invasive spine procedures is that not every patient who requires neck or
back surgery is a candidate. The orthopedic experts at most reputable
laser spine centers can give you an initial indication whether you are a
candidate by analyzing your MRI or CT scan.
Much depends on the location of the nerve compression, the underlying
degenerative spine condition causing the symptoms, and the overall health
of the patient. The place to start when considering laser spine surgery is
with your personal physician, who can give you an initial prognosis and
help you determine the best course of action when confronting neck or
back pain related to bone spurs, a herniated disc, a bulging disc, or some
other anatomical abnormality caused by spinal injury or age-related
deterioration.
