Minimally invasive spine surgery is performed as an alternative to open spine surgery. It uses a smaller incision that avoids adjacent muscles and is expedites recovery times.
What is it?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is beneficial because the surgeon does not need to make any large incisions or displace unnecessary muscles. The doctor can see internally through a camera. The surgery typically requires a four-inch incision.
What should I do to prepare?
The patient should refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, taking blood thinners and taking any non-essential medications. The patient is not permitted to eat or drink from midnight prior to operation until after the conclusion of the operation. Transportation accommodations should be made because the patient may not be fit to drive, as a result of pain and medications.
What happens during the process?
These procedures can take place through the skin, or with a small incision. Most of the time the patient is sedated with anesthesia and won’t feel anything until after he or she wakes. Typically a tubular retractor is used to create space for the surgeon to use tools in the body and operate on herniated discs or spinal fusions. After the procedure, the surgeons removes the tubular retractor and sew the incision.
What are the risks and potential complications?
Minimally invasive spine surgery comes with associated risks, that include, but are not limited to anesthesia allergies, blood clots, and adverse effects because of undiagnosed medical problems.
Disclaimer:
All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are only for education purposes. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site. If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.
Image Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diagram_of_the_Spinal_Cord_Unlabeled.jpg