Reasons For Spine Surgery
The primary reason patients opt for spine surgery is back pain. Back pain can take many different forms, and spinal issues are difficult to treat with non-invasive interventions. The spine is a collection of bones, tendons, and nerves that enable the body to sit, walk, and stand. Anti-inflammatory medicines and heat treatments temporarily relieve spinal pain but cannot provide long-lasting relief. Medical conditions like a herniated disc, bone spurs, degenerative disc disease, and stenosis may require spine surgery.
The basics of traditional spine surgery
One of the major pain points of traditional spine surgery is the surgical process. Conventional spine surgery requires a long and large incision along the spine that may cut through muscles and tendons. When a significant portion of the anatomy is exposed, this leads to more complications. Potential issues can include nerve and muscle damage, infection, and excessive bleeding. Traditional surgery also requires a longer recovery time. Due to the intensity of traditional spinal surgery, many patients opt for other treatments that are less invasive but also less effective.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
With smaller incisions and less recovery time, minimally invasive spine surgery is a viable option for patients who want a simpler surgical process. During this surgery, surgeons make a small incision in the back area and insert a tubular retractor to keep muscles in place while doctors access the surgical site. Surgeons use instruments like a fluoroscope, endoscope, or laparoscope to perform the surgery. Minimally invasive spine surgery can be an inpatient or outpatient procedure, and patients can be cleared to go home in less than 24 hours.
Preparing for minimally invasive spine surgery
Before any surgery takes place, patients will undergo a physical exam, and doctors order imaging tests to locate the source of the spinal pain. To prepare for this surgery, patients will need to stop smoking and take blood-thinning medications. Usually, patients receive antibiotics before and after surgery to limit the risk of infection. Patients will also receive general or local anesthesia to numb the surgical area before the procedure.
Are all minimally invasive spine surgical procedures the same?
No, the surgical technique depends on the spinal issue. For patients with a herniated disc, surgeons use the tubular retractor to access the lamina bone and remove the damaged disc. During a lumbar fusion, doctors use multiple retractors to access the area, remove intervertebral discs, and use bone grafts and metal rods to fuse discs together. Tools like an endoscope have a camera and light attached to provide X-ray images for surgeons to view in real-time.
Recovery time
Recovery time varies for minimally invasive surgery, but most patients are cleared to go home in 2 days or less. Patients also experience less pain due to smaller incisions and the use of anesthesia prior to surgery. People may also opt for physical therapy which also helps to speed up the recovery process.
Speaking with a professional
Minimally invasive spine surgery is an option for patients that need surgery to relieve chronic back pain. Patients should consult a physician and discuss treatment options to learn more about spine surgery benefits and complications. Advancements in technology allow surgeons to use 3D depth perception and surgical robots to perform minimally invasive spine surgery.
