Advances in modern technology and surgical techniques have made many intricate surgeries, including back surgery, to now be performed in a minimally invasive manner. This technique involves tiny surgical instruments and less cutting of tissues than ever before.
Minimally invasive surgery is considered safer than traditional open surgery, because there is less injury to tissues during the operation and therefore much less healing time required. Less healing time translates into less downtime, so patients can recover much more quickly and can get back to their normal life.
However, this new type of surgery isn’t always appropriate for all types of surgery, and not everyone is a suitable candidate for it. That said, it is now the surgical procedure of choice for many conditions causing chronic back pain, particularly those affecting the spine – such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spinal fractures, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis.
How Does Minimally Invasive Surgery Work?
In a minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon uses specialized equipment and surgical instruments that are small enough to pass through tiny incisions. This type of surgery is often performed using visualization tools such as an endoscope, which provides light and magnification during the procedure. It also enables real-time images to be transmitted onto a screen there in the operating room to guide the surgeon.
How a Minimally Invasive Operation Helps the Patient
There are many benefits of minimally invasive surgery, particularly for spinal surgeries to treat back pain. These benefits can include the following:
Less Blood Loss and Trauma During Surgery
During conventional surgery, the surgeon often has to make large cuts through the muscle and tissues. This causes considerable trauma, blood loss, and bruising, as well as creating a greater chance of infection and complications.
When the surgery is performed as a minimally invasive procedure, the muscles and tissues are barely disturbed by comparison. There is little disruption and trauma to surrounding muscle and tissue, thereby reducing the chance of infection and complications.
Less Anesthetic Required
Some minimally invasive spinal surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures, and they may only require a local anesthetic to numb the area on the back. Less anesthetic means there is less risk of an adverse reaction as compared to that of a general anesthetic (which is always administered in conventional surgery). A local anesthetic also means a shorter recovery time immediately after the surgery.
Reduced Post-Operative Pain
Because minimally invasive surgery requires less tissue that must heal afterward, post-operative pain is greatly minimized. Conventional surgery causes more disruption, trauma, and bruising to muscles and surrounding tissue, resulting in greater and more prolonged post-operative pain.
Smaller Scars and Better Cosmetic Results
Because the surgeon makes tiny incisions in minimally invasive surgery, the surgical area naturally requires fewer stitches. This means that the scarring is much smaller, and eventually they will be barely noticeable.
Shorter Recovery Period
Because minimally invasive surgery causes less trauma and disruption to healthy tissues than conventional surgery does, recovery can be much quicker. This usually means a shorter hospital stay with less downtime during recovery.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Denver
If you have debilitating back pain and are ready to find relief, talk to the spine specialists here at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery. Our surgeons have years of success performing minimally invasive spinal surgery for many common spinal conditions, and we can diagnose the cause of your back pain and recommend a solution that works for you.
If you would like to find out more about the services and treatments we offer, call us today at (303) 790-1800 or fill out our simple online form now to request an appointment. We have several convenient locations to serve you in the Denver and Colorado Springs areas, and we look forward to seeing you here.
