Minimally invasive spine surgery is an endoscopic procedure that uses specialized video cameras and instruments that are passed through small incisions (less than 2 cm) in the back, chest or abdomen to access the spine and perform the needed surgery. It can be used for spinal tumors, deformity, trauma, or degenerative/herniated disc, etc. Benefits are smaller incision, speedy recovery, minimal post operative pain, less blood loss and improved outcome.
The types of procedures that can be performed are Spinal fusion, Discectomy, Decompression, Scoliosis correction, etc.
PROCEDURE
It is done under general or regional anaesthesia, using a thin telescope-like instrument, called an endoscope along with a portable X-ray machine, called a fluoroscope, to guide the surgeon during surgery. The endoscope is inserted through small incision in the body. The endoscope is attached to a tiny video camera which projects an internal view of the patient’s body onto television screens in the operating room. Small surgical instruments are passed through one or more half-inch incisions to perform the surgery.
DURATION
The procedure may take 2-3 hours. Hospital stay of 2-3 days is needed.
RECOVERY
Physical therapy is advised. Depending on the type of procedure done, it may take 2-6 weeks to resume normal activity. Heavy work is to be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
RISKS
- Infection
- Blood clots in legs
- Pain
- Pneumonia