Everything You Need To Know About Minimally Invasive Back Surgery

If you suffer from chronic back pain that has not been relieved by other treatments, minimally invasive back surgery might be right for you. Minimally invasive back surgery allows physicians to treat stubborn cases of back pain without opening up the spine. Below, we'll take a look at the most important facts about this cutting-edge procedure.

How it Works

There are several types of minimally invasive back surgery, including laser spine surgery. The main principle is this: instead of accessing the spine by creating a large incision and performing major procedures such as removing pieces of bone, the physician makes tiny incisions near the affected area. Through these incisions, the physician is able to insert a camera that allows him to see the inside of the spine, as well as tools, such as a laser probe, to operate on the spine.

The Benefits

Minimally invasive back surgery has significant benefits over traditional open spine surgery. Some of the most notable benefits include: 

• No large scar
• No general anesthesia
• Performed in an outpatient setting
• Return to work quickly, within about a week
• Less need for major interventions like cutting into bone or adding screws or rods
• Lower risk of side effects like bleeding, blood clots, and anesthesia reactions
• As effective as traditional spine surgery

The Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with minimally invasive spine surgery. However, most risks are lower than those associated with traditional spine surgery. There is a possibility that the patient will develop a complication that requires attention, such as infection or bleeding. In very rare cases, it is possible to become paralyzed or die from this and other medical procedures.

The Costs

Spine surgery should be covered by your insurance policy, since it treats a medical condition. An individual patient's out of pocket cost usually varies based on their insurance policy. A patient with a high premium and low deductible may pay very little out of pocket, while the out of pocket cost for someone with a high deductible may be quite substantial. If you cannot manage the cost of surgery all at once, you can use financing options such as financing from a third-party company.

Dr. Sukdeb Datta would be happy to meet with you about whether minimally invasive back surgery is right for you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (212) 430-0312.