The Risks and Benefits Associated With Laser Spine Surgery

Chronic back pain can often be relieved with non-surgical methods, like surgery and medication. Sometimes, surgery is necessary. If you need spine surgery, you may be able to get laser spine surgery as an alternative to traditional, more invasive methods. Below, we'll explore some of the risks and benefits associated with laser spine surgery.

What is Laser Spine Surgery? 

Laser spine surgery allows doctors to operate on the spine without having to open up the back. During traditional spine surgery, doctors create a large incision along the spine and access the spine through that incision. During laser surgery, just a couple of small incisions are made. Through one incision, a camera may be inserted. Through another incision, the laser is inserted. The laser is used to operate on the spine. 

Laser surgery can be used on a number of spine conditions, including bone spurs and degenerated discs.

Risks 

The risks associated with laser surgery are somewhat lower than those associated with traditional surgery, and the overall risk of side effects is low. However, there is some potential for side effects with all medical procedures. Some of the risks include: 

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Failure to relieve symptoms 
• Blood clots
• Spinal fluid leak

Before your surgery, your doctor will educate you on some steps you can take to minimize your risk of side effects as much as possible.

Benefits

There are also a number of benefits to laser surgery. Only you can decide whether or not you believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Benefits include: 

• Relief from symptoms as the procedure takes place
• No need for general anesthesia
• Lower risk of side effects than with traditional spine surgery
• No need for a hospital stay
• No large scar
• Ability to return to most normal activities within about a week
• Lower chance that major procedures like vertebral fusion will be necessary

Only a doctor can tell you what treatment is right for your spine condition. To schedule a consultation about whether laser spine surgery is right for you, please click below and enter your information or call the Back Surgery & Pain Center at (212) 430-0312.