Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is a surgery that is performed on the backbone. Unlike open surgery, MISS makes small incisions, resulting in less injury to the surrounding tissues and muscles. Traditional spine surgery, or "open surgery," uses long cuts down the vertebral column. During open surgery, surgeons often separate or remove muscles and soft tissues.
Minimally invasive spine surgery is less painful and has a quicker recovery period than traditional surgery. If you are looking for a reputable Indiana minimally invasive spine surgery facility, you can contact us at LAMIS Institute. We pride ourselves on providing professional healthcare services to our Indiana patients with spine or backbone issues.
An Overview of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
MISS is among the most recent procedures offered at our Indiana minimally invasive spine surgery facility. A minimally invasive spine surgery is performed on backs using small surgical incisions that are about one inch. These small incisions cause less damage to nearby tissues and muscles, which leads to faster recovery and less pain after the procedure.
When beginning the procedure, the surgeon inserts a tube called a tubular retractor inside the incisions. This tube-shaped device helps to access the affected area. It gently moves the soft muscles and tissue around the affected area.
The surgeon operates on the vertebral column by inserting small instruments through the tubular retractor. It helps the surgeon to see images of your spinal column in real time. Minimally invasive spine surgery is useful for certain kinds of spinal surgery. You can use the operation in spinal fusion, discectomy, and laminectomy.
Who Needs the Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Not everyone who has back pain needs surgery. However, in some cases, spine surgery can be the only option for treating the underlying medical condition, relieving pain, and restoring mobility. When seeking medical attention, the initial stage is to assess your candidacy for surgery. Fortunately, most patients respond well to minimally invasive spine surgery as a viable treatment option.
Your physician could also recommend minimally invasive spine surgery if other forms of treatment—such as physical therapy and medication—are not working. Surgery could be a viable option if you experience excruciating back pain. However, spine operations cannot resolve all types of back issues.
A surgeon can only suggest a spinal operation if the underlying cause of the back discomfort is surgically treatable. Indiana minimally invasive spine surgery can address the following issues:
- Herniated discs.
- Spinal instability.
- Removal of a spinal tumor.
- Deformities of the spine, such as scoliosis.
- Fractured vertebral column.
- Spinal stenosis.
- A spinal infection.
- Spondylolysis is a spinal condition that affects a section of the lower vertebral column.
If you or a loved one is thinking about undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery, you need to consult with a physician to see if it is a viable choice.
Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate for Indiana Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Not every patient can benefit from minimally invasive spine surgery, meaning that some individuals will still require open surgery. Open-back surgery could be needed, depending on the degree or extent of the spinal injury. If you are dealing with a chronic infection, severe osteoporosis, or serious epidural scars, minimally invasive spine surgery may not be the most suitable option for you.
Additionally, you are not a good candidate for MISS if:
You Respond Well to Conservative Treatments
Doctors usually explore conservative treatments before recommending minimally invasive spine surgery. Most patients suffering from back or neck discomfort react positively to injections, medication, and physical therapy. Conventional treatment procedures are less expensive and less risky compared to spinal surgery.
Unfortunately, not everyone responds well to such treatment methods. Minimally invasive spine surgery can be a backup plan when non-invasive treatments fail.
Certain Elderly Patients
Spine surgery is not a suitable treatment choice for very old patients. Their body will require more time to recuperate, even with a minimally invasive spine surgery. Most senior patients are unable to make the necessary recovery, particularly those with underlying conditions or weakened immune systems. The patients could benefit better from non-surgical treatments.
Patients Who Are More Prone to Infections
All surgical treatments, including MISS, carry the risk of infections. Healthcare professionals make every effort to disinfect the surgical facility and equipment. However, completely protecting yourself against infections is challenging. If an individual has a medical condition that increases his or her likelihood of getting infections, a surgeon could recommend non-surgical treatments.
Each patient's situation is different. The ideal procedure for you will depend on several factors, including your age, general health, and preferences. Many factors influence whether or not you are a suitable candidate for Indiana minimally invasive spine surgery.
A physician will talk to you about the surgical procedure, your medical condition, and the benefits and drawbacks of the treatments. You will have all of the information necessary to make sound decisions.
The Advantages Of Indiana Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
The following are a few advantages of Indiana minimally invasive spine surgery over open surgery:
- Less anesthesia.
- Reduced infection risk.
- There is less bleeding during surgery.
- Short hospital stays of a few days to one week.
- You can resume regular routines, including work, considerably faster.
- Less damage to muscles and soft tissues.
- A better aesthetic outcome since patients will have multiple small scars rather than a single large, visible scar.
- Less pain following surgery.
- A shorter healing period could last from a few months to one year.
- After surgery, patients take less pain medication.
Risks Associated with Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
As the name implies, Indiana minimally invasive spine surgery poses fewer risks than open back surgery. However—as with any other surgical operation—minimally invasive spine surgery carries a few risks, such as:
- Excessive bleeding.
- Infection of the surgical area.
- Pain around the graft area.
- Damage to the nerves.
- Blood clots.
- Anesthesia-related complications.
- Insufficient relief from the backache.
The adverse effects of an operation vary based on your age, overall health, and the type of operation. You can reduce risks by having the procedure done at an Indiana minimally invasive spine surgery facility equipped with modern and up-to-date equipment. Your physician will guide you on the potential risks relevant to your case.
Preparation for an Indiana Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Before the minimally invasive spine surgery, your surgeon will guide you through everything you need to do to get ready. You can consult your surgeon several weeks before the procedure about the medications you often use.
You can also include over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. If you're using blood thinners, your physician could advise you to cease taking them before the operation. Some drugs could react with anesthesia or other medications administered during the operation.
Additionally, you should quit smoking ahead of the procedure because it slows the recovery process. If you are having trouble quitting smoking, you can consult with your doctor.
Before the operation, your surgeon can recommend undergoing certain tests. For instance, you can undergo X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging tests. Maintaining a regular workout routine for at least a few weeks before surgery is crucial. Regular workouts keep the muscles and body in good condition while shortening recovery times.
You should avoid eating and drinking the night before the operation. Notify your surgeon or other medical professional of any changes regarding your condition. For instance, you can notify your doctor if you have a fever.
What to Expect During Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
You could be wondering what awaits you after you have scheduled a minimally invasive spine operation. The procedure is performed by a surgeon with the assistance of a qualified medical team. The operation details will differ based on the problematic section of the spinal column. Your surgeon will explain beforehand what to expect throughout the procedure.
Below is what you could expect if you are scheduled for an Indiana minimally invasive spine surgery:
- Anesthesia can be administered to numb the area of the body being operated on. Your surgeon will also use sedatives to help relax the muscles throughout the procedure. Sedation allows you to relax while being conscious during the operation. General anesthesia is an additional option. General anesthesia makes you sleep throughout the procedure, unlike local anesthesia, which numbs the area of the body being treated.
- The surgeon will carefully monitor your vitals, including your pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, while the procedure is underway.
- A surgeon can prescribe antibiotics to lower your risk of infection both before and after the procedure.
- During the surgery, your surgeon can use a specific X-ray to examine the part of the spinal column being treated.
- Your surgeon will make minor surgical cuts in the back to expose the affected area that needs treatment. A tubular retractor is then inserted into the small incision. Once the gadget is put in place, the affected spinal column area that requires treatment becomes exposed.
- A surgeon then inserts microscopic instruments through the tubular retractor to reach the treatment spot. The equipment includes a small camera and a light.
- The affected region of the spinal column will then undergo surgical treatment.
- Once the procedure is completed, your surgeon will remove the tubular retractor and the instruments. The wound is then closed with staples, stitches, and glue. Your surgeon will also place a bandage on the incision.
After Surgery
Some minimally invasive spine surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures. This allows you to undergo surgery and return home on the same day. After surgery, you should stay at the medical facility so the doctor can monitor you and ensure nothing goes wrong. Your physician could suggest that you stay at the hospital for several nights based on your circumstances. When you are discharged, having someone take you home is ideal.
It is normal to feel pain after the operation. Your surgeon will prescribe pain relievers or over-the-counter medications to help you alleviate the pain. Before purchasing any over-the-counter drug, consult with your doctor. In most cases, the pain goes away after a short while. It will take a little while for you to resume your routine.
You could spot some fluid leakage from the surgical area, which is normal. However, if the fluid leaking from the surgical area increases, you can notify your surgeon immediately. In addition, if you have a fever or feel pain that worsens over time, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and severe headaches, require prompt medical attention.
The surgeon will guide you on using or positioning your back following surgery. To help you recover from surgery more quickly, your doctor could recommend avoiding heavy lifting and bending for a few days. Your doctor could also recommend that you put on a back support for some time following surgery. Physiotherapy can help in recovery by strengthening your spinal muscles.
The time it takes to recover varies based on several factors. These include your age, the type of spine surgery, the surgical site, and overall health. After a couple of weeks, you should be able to return to your usual activities. Following the doctor's instructions and attending follow-up sessions can help you heal faster. This will guarantee that the operation goes successfully for you.
Why You Should Choose LAMIS
There are a lot of spine clinics in Indiana, but what sets LAMIS apart? Our spine surgeons and medical team have won several accolades for their minimally invasive spine surgery expertise. Here are the main reasons you should choose us:
- We prioritize patient care.
- We accept a variety of payment methods.
- Most treatment options at LAMIS have a phenomenal success rate. Many patients can be discharged on the same day with minimal pain.
- Our efficient treatments offer short recovery periods. Therefore, you can quickly return to your regular schedule.
- Thanks to our cutting-edge techniques, we can treat you without cutting into your muscles or other tissues. The recovery time is also shorter than that of open surgery.
- Our welcoming team will strive to make you feel comfortable. We take pride in being Indiana's leading experts in minimally invasive spine surgery.
- We offer many different options for minimally invasive surgery. Our medical professionals have the necessary expertise, skills, and experience to handle even the most complex spinal conditions.
Find an Indiana Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Facility Near Me
If you or a loved one requires Indiana minimally invasive spine surgery services, you should consider a surgeon with extensive knowledge and experience. We at LAMIS Institute can offer helpful information and advice regarding minimally invasive spine surgery. Call us today at 310-734-6088 to talk with one of our spine surgeons.
