Spine injuries and problems can affect the young and old alike. Be it trauma or issues associated with advancing age, these conditions can have a deep impact on the quality of life for the patient.
A minimally invasive surgery can be termed as an endoscopic procedure that utilizes specialized cameras and instruments which can be introduced into the body through small incisions (usually less than 2 cm). As far as spinal surgeries are concerned, these incisions are typically made in the in the back, abdomen, or chest.
Endoscopic approach in terms of techniques has been around for decades but these techniques were predominantly used for diagnostics. Late 1970s and early 80s saw the rise of endoscopic techniques as a means to diagnose as well as treat diseases. Endoscopic techniques applied in other …show more content…
* Repair of herniated disc.
* Repair of vertebral compression fractures.
* Decompression of spinal tumors.
How does minimally invasive surgery benefit patients?
An open surgery for a spinal condition/trauma entails large incisions, muscle stripping, more anesthetics. All this means a longer hospital stay and a longer time for recuperation. A minimally invasive surgery can benefit you in various ways:
* A few scars compared to one big scar.
* Fewer days in the hospital instead of a week or more for an open surgery.
* Minimal postoperative pain.
* Shorter recuperation time - a few months in place of a year - quicker return to daily activities and most importantly work.
* Since the incisions are smaller in nature, less blood loss during surgery in another significant advantage.
* There is reduced risk of infection with minimally invasive surgeries as incisions are smaller.
Having said all this, not all are eligible for a minimally invasive approach to spine procedures. A full evaluation by a surgeon well-versed with the minimally invasive technique is the right way to go about it to know if you were the right candidate for
A minimally invasive surgery can be termed as an endoscopic procedure that utilizes specialized cameras and instruments which can be introduced into the body through small incisions (usually less than 2 cm). As far as spinal surgeries are concerned, these incisions are typically made in the in the back, abdomen, or chest.
Endoscopic approach in terms of techniques has been around for decades but these techniques were predominantly used for diagnostics. Late 1970s and early 80s saw the rise of endoscopic techniques as a means to diagnose as well as treat diseases. Endoscopic techniques applied in other …show more content…
* Repair of herniated disc.
* Repair of vertebral compression fractures.
* Decompression of spinal tumors.
How does minimally invasive surgery benefit patients?
An open surgery for a spinal condition/trauma entails large incisions, muscle stripping, more anesthetics. All this means a longer hospital stay and a longer time for recuperation. A minimally invasive surgery can benefit you in various ways:
* A few scars compared to one big scar.
* Fewer days in the hospital instead of a week or more for an open surgery.
* Minimal postoperative pain.
* Shorter recuperation time - a few months in place of a year - quicker return to daily activities and most importantly work.
* Since the incisions are smaller in nature, less blood loss during surgery in another significant advantage.
* There is reduced risk of infection with minimally invasive surgeries as incisions are smaller.
Having said all this, not all are eligible for a minimally invasive approach to spine procedures. A full evaluation by a surgeon well-versed with the minimally invasive technique is the right way to go about it to know if you were the right candidate for