Minimally invasive surgery is an option for certain conditions when performed by a spine specialist. Your physician will explain the treatment options and the pros and cons of each.
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There are many minimally invasive options in modern spinal surgery. You should specifically ask your spinal surgeon about these options.
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The non-invasive surgeries or minimally invasive spinal surgeries that I do use cameras or small tubes that I operate through. The other minimally invasive technique I use is putting in screws percutaneously or through the skin.
Basically all these techniques try to avoid cutting too much muscle. The only way to know whether you are a candidate is to see your spine surgeon. All the films have to be re-reviewed. If you have had surgery before in the past on your spine or even your abdomen, you may be a candidate for one type of minimally invasive spine surgery and not another. So everything has to be individualized.
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There is a surgery called Endoscopic Discectomy; this would depend on testing.
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The availability of minimally invasive procedures continues to evolve. Only your spinal specialist is aware of which procedures he/she is comfortable with and whether or not you are a candidate.
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Decompression procedures, such as microdiscectomies or laminectomies, can be performed through very small incisions. Similarly, spinal fusions can be carried out by placing titanium implants percutaneously, which reduces the amount of soft tissue dissection required to perform the operation. A spinal surgeon who is familiar with these surgeries can advise you on whether your specific spinal condition be treated using a minimally invasive approach.
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Once a decision has been made that some form of procedure or operation is necessary for your problem, your spinal surgeon should consider the available choices (alternatives) and discuss them with you. For some problems, "less invasive" techniques have been developed. These typically require smaller incisions. All treatments have advantages and disadvantages. Your surgeon may or may not feel that one of these operations is best for your problem.
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In many cases, the same surgery can be done through smaller incisions. This includes discectomy and spinal fusion. Ask your surgeon if you qualify.
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In the last few years, a variety of surgical procedures, which involve accessing the spine through a minimal access approach, have been developed. The development of these procedures have been made possible by the development of new tools and instruments that allow us to perform the operations through smaller holes or tubes (endoscopes). The most popular procedures, at this time, are anterior endoscopic surgery for fusions of the lumbar spine, posterior discectomies through minimal access portals on the skin, and percutaneous instrumentation. Some surgeons are doing posterior interbody fusions and instrumentation through a small incision. In order to know if you are a candidate for minimal invasive surgery, you should ask your physician and see how familiar he is with this particular procedure and if he is doing it in your area.
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With a minimally invasive microdiscectomy, you can only know if you are a candidate after having your case reviewed by a surgeon who is capable of performing this procedure. Your surgeon will need a thorough evaluation of your physical findings, history, and your studies such MRIs.
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Less invasive back surgeries include lasers and percutaneous procedures. All of these techniques are somewhat controversial. The criticisms leveled against proponents of these procedures are the patient would have improved anyway had the procedure not been performed. They are typically performed on patients with a contained disc herniation whose main compliant is buttocks and leg pain. These non-invasive procedures would not be a substitute for a spinal fusion in the patient with incapacitating back pain.
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There are many minimally invasive options in modern spinal surgery. You should ask your spinal surgeon about these options and if they are appropriate for your problem.
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Minimally invasive surgeries involve special techniques using microscopes or special cameras, which reduces the amount of surgical exposure needed to perform the operation. Some surgery cannot be successfully performed in this way, and a spine specialist will have to review your specific situation to determine if you are a candidate for such a technique.
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Less invasive spinal surgery is now commonly performed for many types of spinal conditions. Minimally invasive surgeries allow surgeons to access the spine through small incisions, splitting the muscles instead of cutting them. Minimally invasive surgery may not be the proper option for some spinal conditions.
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Minimally invasive procedures are performed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Consult a physician that performs these procedures to see if you are a candidate.
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Less invasive back surgeries are many. My only advice is to seek out a surgeon who offers minimally invasive back surgeries. Minimally invasive back surgeries are NOT for everyone or every disease. One must remember that the same job must be accomplished regardless of the approach. Therefore, the same deep healing is unchanged. There is no evidence that the outcomes are improved by minimally invasive back surgeries at this time.
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You will need to discuss your specific spinal problem with your spinal surgeon to determine if minimally invasive options are in your best interest. Some problems are well-suited for minimally invasive procedures. However, there are other problems that are best treated through more traditional techniques.
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The commentary above recounts the experiences of these physicians. Medtronic invited them to share their stories candidly. Keep in mind that results vary; not every patient's response is the same. Talk with your doctor to learn more about any products that are mentioned above.
It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications and benefits of spinal surgery with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your doctor's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
