Neurosurgeons can access the spine with fewer incisions through minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). It is accomplished by utilizing specialized instruments and an endoscope, a lengthy, flexible tube with a tiny camera at one end. Patients with complicated spinal problems can be treated using this endoscopic method. MISS can also treat abnormalities, spinal tumors, and injuries.
Minimally invasive spine surgery usually entails less postoperative discomfort, a possibly shorter length of stay in the hospital, a quicker recovery, and a lower chance of complications. For these reasons, minimally invasive techniques are always recommended to suitable candidates. Read on to learn more about who is considered a good candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery.
Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery a Good Option for You?
A minimally invasive method is not appropriate for every patient. Minimally invasive spine surgery has distinct indications for when it is appropriate and when it should be avoided for safety reasons. Each surgery must be tailored to the patient’s unique needs and the method.
However, during your examination, your spine care team may determine that other treatment options should be attempted first before spinal surgery can be considered.
A neurosurgeon in Newport beach specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery must evaluate you to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. The neurosurgeon Newport Beach will assess the patient’s quality of life by making inquiries and asking some of the following questions:
- Do you experience chronic pain?
- Does the pain radiate from your neck down to your extremities?
- Does the pain move from the lower side of your back into your lower extremities?
- Do you still experience symptoms after having back surgery?
Patients considered candidates for minimally invasive spine surgery are typically those who are not suitable candidates for conventional spine surgery. Your eligibility for the operation may also depend on the specific spine issue you have. Individuals who are suitable candidates usually require repair of a deformity, increased spine stability, and decompression of the spinal nerves. It is important to note that some spine infections and malignancies cannot be treated with a minimally invasive method.
When non-surgical treatments fail to provide symptomatic relief for three months or longer in patients with spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, and spondylolisthesis, a minimally invasive method may be used for treatment. Patients who are elderly are usually suitable candidates for the procedure.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Risks
It is important to note that even minimally invasive surgical procedures have risks. Some risks of minimally invasive spine surgery include:
- Anesthesia reaction
- Post-surgery pneumonia
- Deep vein thrombosis that may lead to a pulmonary embolus
- Pain or paralysis as a result of injury to the nerves or spinal cord
- Leakage of spinal fluid
- Tissue damage
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Some benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery over traditional spine surgery include the following:
- Lower risk of infection
- Reduced blood loss during surgery
- Less post-surgery pain
- Less tissue and muscle damage
- Less anesthesia is required
- Produces better aesthetic results
- Faster recovery time
- Reduced hospital stay
- Reduced use of pain medication
What Happens During Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
There are various minimally invasive procedures. The link amongst them is that, as opposed to making a single, lengthy incision, your neurosurgeon at Orange County will create a few smaller ones through your skin along your back, chest, or abdomen. Specialized tools will then enable your neurosurgeon to operate properly on the spine. This procedure can be performed either with regional or general anesthesia. Your incisions are wrapped with surgical tape or thin bandages after surgery and are then stitched, glued, or stapled shut.
What does Recovery after a Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery look like?
Minimally invasive spine surgery has several advantages over open surgery, including less discomfort, less muscle injury, a shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery.
Patients who have completed minimally invasive spine surgery often spend their recovery at the hospital for three to five days. The length of time it takes for each person to recover varies depending on their spinal condition, the complexity of their surgery, the experience of their minimally invasive spine surgeons, their age, and their general health, among other considerations. It can take months for you to heal after minimally invasive spine surgery fully. You can ask your doctor about the anticipated length of recovery following your treatment.
Ensure you attend all of your follow-up appointments with your spine clinic team. They will assess your development and address any queries or worries you may have.
Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Effective?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is an effective surgical procedure with several advantages over open surgery, including lower risk of infection, less muscle injury, less discomfort, quicker recovery times, shorter hospital stays, less muscle and tissue damage, and reduced blood loss during surgery, among others.
What Should I do when Preparing for Spine Surgery?
- Regular exercise will help you stay physically fit and reduce the time it takes to recover.
- Stop smoking
- It might be necessary for you to cease using herbal remedies and non-essential drugs a few weeks before your surgery as they may interact with anesthetics or other drugs you may take.
Get in touch with Brain Spine MD today to speak with a neurologist in Newport Beach and learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery. Contact us to schedule an appointment by calling us at (949) 383-4185 today.
