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Every year, Americans flock to the doctor as a result of severe spine, back, and neck pain. In fact, according to the LaGrange North American Spine Society, spinal pain is second only to the common cold in terms of reasons for influencing a doctor’s visit. Of these cases, most can be treated non-invasively through therapeutic or pharmacologic action. However, in severe situations where debilitating symptoms cannot be relieved through non-invasive spine treatment, surgical intervention is recommended.
The decision to move forward with surgical intervention is never easy. As with every surgery, spinal surgery has its risks. Tissue, muscle, and spinal nerve damage, as well as a challenging recovery period are all things patients should consider before committing to a decision to undergo surgery. Advances in minimally invasive back surgery technology, however, may make this decision easier for many patients afflicted with a spinal deformity or spinal injury. If deemed appropriate, spine surgery that is minimally invasive can replace traditional open procedures, resulting in less blood loss, reduced muscle and tissue disturbance, as well as a shortened recovery period. In certain cases, minimally invasive spine surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis. Read on to learn what these procedures are.
Outpatient Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery:
Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: If you are experiencing severe and disabling arm pain, you may have a ruptured or a herniated disc of the cervical spine. Technology has now made this once invasive procedure—requiring a one- to two-day hospital stay—a minimally invasive surgery in which patients can often be released on the same day. How’s it done? Surgeons make about a one inch incision and insert a tube, enabling the use of a microscope and instrumentation. As extensive muscle and tissue dissection is avoided, the recovery period for this procedure is less painful than traditional, open procedures. It is important to realize that many patients who suffer from a cervical disc herniation and resultant neck and arm pain may not be candidates for a cervical foraminotomy. The location of the ruptured disc and the symptoms will dictate the most appropriate safe approach.
Lumbar Discectomy: A disc herniation in the lower (lumbar) spine can cause severe leg pain as a result of spinal nerve compression. To bring relief, spine surgeons perform a minimally invasive lumbar discectomy to remove the disc fragment that is pressing on the nerve and causing pain. Like with the posterior cervical foraminotomy, this procedure may be done through tubes and in many cases, patients can be discharged the same day. Most patients who undergo a lumbar microdiscectomy at University Spine Associates have their life changing surgery as an outpatient and go home the same day.
To learn more about University Spine Associate’s capabilities in minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery, contact us today. |
