Minimally invasive spine surgery has many advantages of traditional spine surgery. One of the biggest advantages is the reduced recovery time that patients enjoy. The recovery period is about 1/4 that of traditional spine surgery, and it is much more comfortable.
How it Works
During laser spine surgery, a small camera is inserted into the spine. This allows the doctor to see the vertebrae and discs. Then, a small laser probe is inserted through another small incision. The probe is used to remove excess tissue that causes problems such as herniated discs and bone spurs. If necessary, small tools can also be inserted to perform parts of the procedure.
Since the incision is so much smaller and less tissue is displaced, patients face a lower risk of side effects like infection and bleeding. In addition, there is little to no pain during the recovery period. Because the incisions are only about the size of a needle, patients don't have to worry about having a big, unsightly scar.
Recovery
After laser spine surgery, patients return home the same day with their symptoms relieved. After about a week, patients with desk jobs are able to return to work. However, patients with physically strenuous jobs will need to wait longer to return to work, and they may need to work limited shifts for several weeks. Most patients make a full recovery after about 6 weeks.
The recovery time is so much shorter because the body has less to heal from. The incision is much smaller than with traditional spine surgery. In addition, there are no major procedures like vertebral fusion and the removal of bone performed. Instead, patients recover from relatively minor changes to the spine.
If you're interested in learning more about whether minimally invasive spine surgery is right for you, please click below or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.
How it Works
During laser spine surgery, a small camera is inserted into the spine. This allows the doctor to see the vertebrae and discs. Then, a small laser probe is inserted through another small incision. The probe is used to remove excess tissue that causes problems such as herniated discs and bone spurs. If necessary, small tools can also be inserted to perform parts of the procedure.
Since the incision is so much smaller and less tissue is displaced, patients face a lower risk of side effects like infection and bleeding. In addition, there is little to no pain during the recovery period. Because the incisions are only about the size of a needle, patients don't have to worry about having a big, unsightly scar.
Recovery
After laser spine surgery, patients return home the same day with their symptoms relieved. After about a week, patients with desk jobs are able to return to work. However, patients with physically strenuous jobs will need to wait longer to return to work, and they may need to work limited shifts for several weeks. Most patients make a full recovery after about 6 weeks.
The recovery time is so much shorter because the body has less to heal from. The incision is much smaller than with traditional spine surgery. In addition, there are no major procedures like vertebral fusion and the removal of bone performed. Instead, patients recover from relatively minor changes to the spine.
If you're interested in learning more about whether minimally invasive spine surgery is right for you, please click below or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.