What is minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS)?

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) is a modern approach to treating spine problems with minimal damage to nearby tissues. It aims to achieve the same results as traditional surgery but with less harm to muscles, ligaments, and other important parts of the spine.

What is the success rate of minimally invasive spine surgery?

The success rate of minimally invasive spine surgery is approximately 90%.

Are there risks or complications with minimally invasive spinal surgery?

Risks of minimally invasive spinal surgery include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and risks associated with anesthesia. However, these risks are generally lower compared to traditional open surgery.

Who is a candidate for minimally invasive spinal surgery?

Candidates for minimally invasive spinal surgery are typically patients with specific spine conditions that can be effectively treated using minimally invasive techniques, based on their medical history and imaging studies.

Are there any restrictions after minimally invasive spinal surgery?

Yes, patients may have restrictions on lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous activities for a period to allow the spine to heal properly.

Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Types Benefits

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27-July-2024 Team Medicover Orthopedics

What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Q: What is the recovery time for minimally invasive spinal surgery?

Recovery time varies but is typically faster than traditional surgery. Most patients can return to normal activities within weeks to months, depending on the specific procedure.

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) attempts to treat spinal disorders with less damage to the surrounding tissues. Minimally invasive procedures aim to minimize damage to the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and other structures while performing the same surgical goals. This may result in less discomfort following surgery.

Key Features of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery include

Smaller incisions
Use of specialized instruments
Muscle sparing approach
Imaging Techniques

Types of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

1. Spinal Cord Surgery

This term refers to surgical operations that treat disorders affecting the spinal cord directly, such as tumors, cysts or spinal cord compression caused by injury or degeneration. These surgeries aim to reduce pressure on the spinal cord and may include;

Removal of tumors
Removal of cysts
Removal of damaged tissue
Stabilization of the spine
Decompression of the spine

2. Herniated Disc Surgery

Herniated disc surgery, also called discectomy or microdiscectomy, is used to treat a herniated disc in the spine. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the section of the herniated disc pressing on adjacent nerves, reducing discomfort and restoring normal function.

3. Open Spine Surgery

Traditional spine surgery is performed through a big, open incision. Open spine surgery enables direct access to the spine, allowing for detailed viewing and manipulation of spinal components. While effective, open spine surgery can result in longer hospital stays, more postoperative discomfort, and longer recovery times than minimally invasive procedures.

4. Keyhole Spine Surgery

It is also known as minimally invasive spine surgery, which involves making small incisions and accessing the spine using specialized devices. The phrase "keyhole" refers to the small size of the incisions, which are usually a few centimetres long. Keyhole spine surgery attempts to minimize tissue damage, alleviate postoperative pain, and speed up healing.

5. Microscopic Spine Surgery

This sort of spine surgery is carried out with a surgical microscope, which provides magnified views of the surgical site. Microscopic spine surgery allows for precise manipulation of spinal structures and applies to a combination of treatments such as discectomy, decompression, and spinal fusion.

6. Laser spine surgery

In this surgery, laser technology is used to treat specific spinal disorders. The laser is used to remove or melt tissue, such as herniated disc material or bone spurs, without the use of standard surgical tools. However, laser spine surgery is not universally accepted as a stand-alone treatment and is repeatedly combined with other surgical procedures.

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Steps in Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

Preparation: Your medical history is reviewed, and you receive anesthesia for comfort.
Incision: Small cuts (less than an inch) are made near the spine.
Instrument Insertion: Specialized tools and a camera are inserted through these incisions.
Procedure: The surgeon uses the camera to guide repairs or adjustments to the spine.
Closure: Incisions are closed with stitches or adhesive strips.
Recovery: You're monitored post-surgery and given instructions for home care.

Minimally invasive spine procedures offer quicker recovery and less discomfort than traditional surgery, with minimal tissue damage.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

Smaller Incisions: Minimizes damage to surrounding muscles and tissues, leading to less postoperative pain and faster recovery.
Reduced Blood Loss: Smaller incisions result in less blood loss during surgery compared to traditional open procedures.
Shorter Hospital Stay: Patients often require shorter hospital stays or can even go home the same day, promoting a quicker return to daily activities.
Lower Infection Risk: Reduced exposure of internal organs lowers the risk of infections post-surgery.
Improved Cosmesis: Small scars from the incisions are less noticeable and may fade over time, improving cosmetic outcomes.
Preservation of Spinal Stability: Minimally invasive techniques aim to preserve spinal stability and function, minimizing the need for extensive spinal fusion.
Quicker Rehabilitation: Patients typically experience quicker rehabilitation and can resume normal activities sooner.
Reduced Risk of Complications: Overall, minimally invasive procedures are associated with lower rates of complications compared to traditional open surgeries.

Minimally invasive spine procedures offer numerous advantages, making them a preferred choice for many patients seeking effective treatment with faster recovery times and reduced surgical risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) is a modern way to treat spine problems with less harm to nearby tissues. The main aim is to get the same results as regular surgery but with less damage to muscles, ligaments, and other important parts of the spine.

The success rate of minimally invasive spine surgery is 90%.

A patient who is not improving with non-surgical therapy and has extreme back pain, numbness, or weakness in the upper or lower limbs may be a suitable candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS).

Recovery varies but is typically faster than traditional surgery. Most patients can return to normal activities within weeks to months, depending on the procedure.

Risks include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and risks associated with anesthesia, though these are generally lower compared to open surgery.

Candidates include patients with specific spine conditions that can be treated effectively through minimally invasive techniques, based on their medical history and imaging studies.

Yes, patients may have restrictions on lifting heavy objects or strenuous activities for a period to allow the spine to heal properly.