Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery-Overview

Minimally invasive procedures are performed through a tiny incision in the skin with little impact to surrounding tissue. This approach allows surgeons to successfully treat a variety of spine-related problems with the least amount of tissue disruption and with the same outcome as open surgeries.

How is it performed?
Conventional spine surgery requires a long incision and a lengthy recovery period. Minimally invasive surgery, also known as "keyhole" surgery, uses a series of small dilators and an appropriate size tubular retractor through which small instruments are passed and surgery is performed under an Operating Microscope. Small surgical instruments may then be passed through one ormore additional half-inch incisions. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape. After a few months, they are barely visible.

What are advantages of MISS?
Typically, MISS allows for the same outcomes as conventional spine surgery. Benefits of minimally invasive back surgery include:
-  A few tiny scars instead of one large scar
-  Shorter hospital stay - a few days instead of a week
-  Reduced postoperative pain
-  Shorter recovery time - a few days instead of weeks - and quicker return to daily activities, including work.