Minimally invasive spinal surgeries have been much talked about. It is a treatment worth looking into for anyone with back problems such as spinal tumors, any type of deformity, spinal stenosis, compression fractures, herniated discs or degenerative diseases. But not everyone is a suitable candidate for a minimally invasive spine surgery. The patient situation should be thoroughly examined by an experienced spinal surgeon to determine if the person can opt for this treatment.
Advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery
The treatment is carried with least possible damage to the body. Instruments which were not available until recently are used. Compared to a normal open surgery of the spine, a minimal access spinal surgery has lots of advantages. Because the procedure is carried out by entering the body through body cavities or tiny incisions, there are no ugly scars left on the body. The hospital stay is shorter, so is the recuperation period. There is much less loss of blood and the pain associated with a minimally invasive spine surgery is greatly reduced. As opposed to this, an open surgery leaves scars, has longer hospital stay, recovery time is longer and there is also risk of infection.
Risk factors
But there are also a few complications associated with a minimally invasive spine surgery. Because the visualization is restricted and the incisions are smaller, there is increased risk of damaging tissues. There may even be bleeding, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and cerebrospinal fluid leak. The patient may experience pain which may be because of the surgery itself or because of some damage caused by the instruments. The nerves or spinal cord may also get injured. During the surgery, the doctor may decide to switch to an open surgery if complications such as problems with the visuals arise.
Endoscopic and fluoroscopic surgery
There are basically two ways to perform this surgery- endoscopic and fluoroscopic. A fluoroscopic surgery makes use of an X-ray machine which is positioned around the patient. This gives a wider view of the patient’s anatomy. The endoscopic surgery, on the other hand, uses an endoscope which is a small, thin telescope-like instrument. This endoscope is attached to specialized video cameras. Small incisions are made on the body, either on the chest, stomach or back to access the spine. These incisions are usually of less than 2cm. The endoscope is inserted in these incisions, thus giving a proper view of the patient internal condition which is shown on the television screens in the operating room. Then surgical instruments are passed through the incisions to operate. These small openings are then stitched up and covered with surgical tape.
It is important for the patient to get a clear idea about this procedure and hence, it is recommended that they talk to their surgeons before going for a minimally invasive spine surgery.
Advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery
The treatment is carried with least possible damage to the body. Instruments which were not available until recently are used. Compared to a normal open surgery of the spine, a minimal access spinal surgery has lots of advantages. Because the procedure is carried out by entering the body through body cavities or tiny incisions, there are no ugly scars left on the body. The hospital stay is shorter, so is the recuperation period. There is much less loss of blood and the pain associated with a minimally invasive spine surgery is greatly reduced. As opposed to this, an open surgery leaves scars, has longer hospital stay, recovery time is longer and there is also risk of infection.
Risk factors
But there are also a few complications associated with a minimally invasive spine surgery. Because the visualization is restricted and the incisions are smaller, there is increased risk of damaging tissues. There may even be bleeding, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and cerebrospinal fluid leak. The patient may experience pain which may be because of the surgery itself or because of some damage caused by the instruments. The nerves or spinal cord may also get injured. During the surgery, the doctor may decide to switch to an open surgery if complications such as problems with the visuals arise.
Endoscopic and fluoroscopic surgery
There are basically two ways to perform this surgery- endoscopic and fluoroscopic. A fluoroscopic surgery makes use of an X-ray machine which is positioned around the patient. This gives a wider view of the patient’s anatomy. The endoscopic surgery, on the other hand, uses an endoscope which is a small, thin telescope-like instrument. This endoscope is attached to specialized video cameras. Small incisions are made on the body, either on the chest, stomach or back to access the spine. These incisions are usually of less than 2cm. The endoscope is inserted in these incisions, thus giving a proper view of the patient internal condition which is shown on the television screens in the operating room. Then surgical instruments are passed through the incisions to operate. These small openings are then stitched up and covered with surgical tape.
It is important for the patient to get a clear idea about this procedure and hence, it is recommended that they talk to their surgeons before going for a minimally invasive spine surgery.
