Laser spine surgery is an alternative to traditional spine surgeries. Throughout this post we’ll be discussing the different types of spine surgeries and what you can expect when choosing laser spine surgery. Read on to learn more about the entire process and what differentiates laser spine surgery form the other spine surgery options available.
How is Laser Spine Surgery Different from Traditional Spine Surgery?
Laser spine surgery is much less invasive than traditional spine surgery. Below is a brief analysis of the main differences between traditional, MISS, and laser spine surgery.
Traditional Spine Surgery
Traditional spine surgery is much more involved than alse rpsien surger. The most common way of reaching the spine for a surgical procedure is to make a long incision along the back and proceed to move muscles and other tissues aside to access the spinal area. This process may cause tissue damage and lead to longer recovery time in some cases.
MISS Spine Surgery
The MIS spine surgery option consists of a smaller incision than a traditional spine surgery. It also involves utilizing a special tool by the name of a tubular retractor. This tool allows surgeons to create a small tunnel to access the surgical site. This less invasive option typically leads ot a shorter recovery time than a traditional spine surgery approach.
Laser Spine Surgery
With laser spine surgery, it’s very minimally invasive. The laser is used to remove portions of tissue located around the spinal cord and nerves of the back. Laser spine surgery is appropriate when there are nerve compressions causing pain in the patient.
What to Expect with Laser Spine Surgery
Laser spine surgery is an advanced procedure utilizing some of the latest technology available. Herniated discs, bone spurs, and sciatica may benefit from a laser spine surgery with certain patients. The main goal of laser spine surgery is to decompress the nerve which is causing the pain to occur. Once the nerve is decompressed, the pain itself should be minimized or eliminated altogether. With laser spine surgery, you’re typically given a local anesthetic and may also be placed under sedation.
Benefits of Laser Spine Surgery
The best benefit of laser spine surgery is the fact iut;s much less invasive than traditional spine surgery. This may lead to much better recovery times and less pain management required post-surgery.
Potential Drawbacks of Laser Spine Surgery
Laser spine surgery is not for every patient. If you have a very complicated spinal condition, it may require a traditional spinal surgery. Also, degenerative spine diseases will most likely require the traditional spine surgery approach. Another potential drawback to laser spine surgery is you may require additional surgeries in the following years.
Recovery Time of Laser Spine Surgery
The recovery time of laser spine surgery is typically much less than traditional spine surgery, as its less invasive overall. With traditional spine surgery, you can expect to have a post-surgery recovery time of about 8-12 weeks. With laser spine surgery, it’ll most likely be less, as there’s less physical involvement with the surgery. You can expect to make a full recovery within about 6 weeks or so.
Choosing Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Your Laser Spine Surgery
If you’re considering laser spine surgery, you’ll want to reach out to us for a full evaluation prior to receiving said surgery. It’s important to weigh all options available and determine if surgery is the right approach. We at neurosurgery & Spine Consultants want to provide all of our patients with a number of choices to best treat their spine, neck, and back conditions. Feel free to contact us using the form below and we’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our amazing doctors as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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