Facts About Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Long Island Patients May Benefit From

By Gregory Bell


Minimally invasive surgery, otherwise known as MISS, is a new and better approach as compared to the old open form of surgical operation. The procedure entails using a tube like instrument to access the specific area in the spine with a problem. It is a technique that is increasingly being adopted due to the short duration of operating time required and overall better outcomes. These are some of the facts concerning minimally invasive spine surgery Long Island patients may be interested in.

An operation is usually the last option for common back problems as most cases usually resolve with rest and analgesic drugs. Surgical operation may also be done as an emergency in cases where the spinal cord is at risk of injury, as occurs in severe physical trauma to the back. Surgical intervention is paramount for spine infections complicating with a huge amount of pus formation. Moreover, patients with spinal tumours are good candidates for surgical resection.

When you visit your doctor they will undertake a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of your problem. Among the things to be done are taking history, examining the patient and performing certain tests that are also key in planning the patient for the operation. The patient has to give comprehensive information concerning their complaint, the duration for which they have had the problem, any drugs they are taking and so on. Blood tests are also ordered so that any abnormal findings are noted and corrected before the procedure. Radiological imaging is done as a guide before and during operation.

While minimally invasive surgery may pose less danger than the customary open surgery, equal attention should be given in preventing any possible complication. For instance, there needs to be backup blood for transfusion in case of excessive loss of blood during the procedure. Sterility should be observed throughout the operation to reduce the risk of infections. Fluoroscopy, a form of imaging study, is also very critical in guiding the surgical probe.

In spite of minimally invasive surgery being less risky, one should be on the look out for difficulties just as is done in open surgery . The doctor has to ensure the operating field is sterile, matching blood is available for any anticipated excessive bleeding, and that sensitive areas with nerves and blood vessels are avoided. This is facilitated through fluoroscopy, an imaging technique that guides the entire process.

Common surgical procedures in which the minimally invasive technique are used include spine decompression and fusion. Spinal decompression involves releasing pressure on nerve roots through either a discectomy (removal of a prolapsed disc) or laminectomy (removal of part of bone surrounding the spinal canal). Fusion, on the other hand, entails uniting two adjacent vertebrae.

Recovery after MISS is considered to be faster than open surgery. The pain experienced post operatively is much less, due to minimally disruption of soft tissues and also because the wound size is smaller. The patient will be taken through several physiotherapy sessions to help them function normally again.

In conclusion, despite having a higher learning curve for surgeons compared to the open technique, less invasive surgical operation has more advantages in general. It is a relatively new form technology that is bound to be fully embraced in the near future. It is important that patients are given all available options and risks related to each, before a decision is made on what approach is to be used.




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