How Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Can Drastically Reduce Recovery Time

For decades, the only surgical treatment for spine problems required physicians to open up the entire spine in a very invasive procedure known as open back surgery. Now, the majority of common spine conditions can be treated with minimally invasive back surgery. This method has numerous advantages for patients, one of the most notable of which is the drastically reduced recovery time.

How Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Works

Minimally invasive back surgery is accomplished through the use of endoscopy. Normally, doctors must create large incisions and cut through skin, connective tissue, muscle, and even bone to access the spine. With endoscopy, the doctor just creates a couple of incisions along the spine. Through one incision, a tiny camera called an endoscope is inserted, allowing the doctor to see the spine without opening it up. Tools are inserted through the other incisions.

There are a number of minimally invasive back surgery procedures. Laser spine surgery, a procedure in which a laser is used to treat a damaged disc or other spine problem, is one of the most effective and widely applicable procedures.

Anticipated Recovery

The recovery time is greatly reduced with minimally invasive back surgery as opposed to traditional back surgery. With traditional back surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for several days, and are restricted in terms of work and other normal activities for up to 6 weeks. It typically takes several months to make a full recovery after open back surgery. 

After minimally invasive spine surgery, patients can return home from the outpatient clinic the same day; there is no need for a hospital stay. Activity is somewhat restricted for the first few days, but patients can advance their activity each day. Most patients are able to return to their desk job and other normal activities within a week. Within 6 weeks, most patients have made a full recovery. 

Regardless of which type of surgery is used, patients can take steps to ensure that they make a complete recovery as soon as possible. Important steps include: 

• Advancing activity as recommended by the doctor
• Avoiding over-exertion
• Eating a healthy diet
• Refraining from smoking
• Participating in physical therapy

If you are interested in treatment for your spine condition, Dr. Sukdeb Datta of the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery & Pain Center would be happy to hear from you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at (212) 430-0312