How is Cervical Spine Surgery Performed and is it Safe

If you've been told that you may need surgery on your neck, you probably have a lot of questions about the procedure, as well as your treatment options. Most patients are eager to find out the basics of how cervical spine surgery works, as well as how the surgery is performed. Laser spine surgery is usually less invasive and safer than other surgical options, although it can't be used in all cases.

Traditional Spine Spine Surgery

Traditional spine surgery was the only spine surgery option for decades. During this type of surgery, the doctor opens up the spine in order to access it. They make an incision several inches long along the neck, and peel away skin, muscle, and connective tissue to access the spine.

From there, the actual treatment starts. Sometimes, part of an intervertebral disc may be removed in a procedure known as a discectomy. It's common for doctors to use very intensive treatments during traditional spine surgery. For example, spinal fusion is used to treat a wide range of conditions, ranging from degenerated discs to scoliosis.

Most people who undergo traditional spine surgery don't experience any serious complications. However, a number of complications can occur, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, scarring, and pain.

Laser Spine Surgery

Laser spine surgery is a less invasive option to traditional surgery. It can be used to treat many common spine conditions, including herniated and bulging discs. During laser surgery, just one or two small incisions are made along the spine. Through these incisions, a camera and a laser probe are inserted. The laser is used to dissolved misplaced disc material, or to operate on other parts of the spine.

One of the biggest advantages of laser surgery is that it has a much lower risk of side effects than traditional surgery. Since the surgery is less invasive and the recovery time is shorter, there is a lower risk of complications like infection, blood clots, and bleeding.

Your doctor will give you more information about the risks associated with spine surgery prior to your surgery. To schedule a consultation about whether cervical spine surgery is right for you, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.