Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries: The Process And Risks Involved

Less invasive surgery of the spine is called Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS). This type of surgery involves fewer incisions than normal surgery. It frequently results in less damage to the adjacent muscles and other structures. It may result in reduced discomfort and a quicker recovery from surgery.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) aims to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves and stabilize the vertebral bones and joints, which are frequently affected by disorders including spinal instability, bone spurs, ruptured discs, scoliosis, or spinal malignancies. When a period of nonsurgical treatment, such as pills, physical therapy, or epidural steroid injections, cannot adequately relieve uncomfortable symptoms in the neck or back, spine surgery is recommended.

Who is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)?

The majority of patients with back discomfort won't require surgery. If someone has a back problem and previous treatments, such as medication or physical therapy, have not helped, then the doctor may suggest spine surgery. Spinal surgery may be the solution if the patient is still in a lot of discomforts. However, not all types of back problems can be resolved with spine surgery. MISS is only recommended for people who exhibit certain symptoms, such as:

• Herniated disc

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

• Deformities of the spine, such as scoliosis.

• Spinal instability

• Spondylolysis

• Fractured vertebra

• Tumour removal in the spine.

• Spine infection

How are Individuals Prepared for MISS?

In order to get oneself prepared for minimally invasive surgery, the individual should follow the following measures:

• Quitting Smoking

Medications and programs are organized to help individuals quit smoking.

• Doing Physical Activities

Exercise regularly helps keep the body and muscles in shape, which further reduces the recovery time.

• Be Aware of Surgical Products

One should be aware of which surgical products are recommended to them by the surgical team a few weeks prior to their surgery. The individual may stop taking non-essential medications and herbal remedies as they have the chance of reacting to the aesthetics and other medications.

• Maintaining Proper Diet

The neuro and spine surgeon in Vijayawada recommends diagnosis by undergoing X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests of the backbone. Antibiotics are recommended prior to and post-surgery to reduce the risk of infection. An appropriate diet should be followed by the patient as per the recommendations from the surgeon before the surgery.

How does Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Work?

Because the spinal nerves, vertebrae, and discs are located deep within the body, any approach to gaining access to the spinal area necessitates relocating muscle tissue. This is generally accomplished by making small incisions and guiding instruments and/or microscopic video cameras through these incisions. Contrary to popular belief, lasers are only used in a small percentage of MIS surgeries.

Anesthesia will be administered to the patient. Regional anesthesia to numb a specific area of the spine or general anesthesia, the patient will sleep through the surgery is given. The surgeon makes one or more small incisions through your skin - through the back, chest, or abdomen - rather than one long incision.

The surgeon may use a fluoroscope or an endoscope to determine where to make incisions. A fluoroscope is a portable X-ray machine that provides images of your spine in real-time during surgery. An endoscope is a thin, telescope-like instrument connected to a tiny video camera - about the size of a dime—that projects an internal view of the spine onto television screens in the operating room. Small surgical instruments are passed through the endoscope or other half-inch incisions where tubular retractors have been placed.

Tubular retractors are hollow, thin tubes. Retractors create small tunnels from the opening in the skin to the targeted area on the spine. One or more retractor devices are used to insert instruments. These retractors are also used to withdraw spinal bones and tissue removed during surgery. During minimally invasive spine surgery in Vijayawada, tubular retractors keep your muscles away from the surgical site. When the retractors are removed, the muscles return to their original position.

The incisions are closed with sutures (stitches), glue, or staples and covered with surgical tape or small bandages after surgery.

Types of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

There are several types of minimally invasive procedures performed, which involve:

• Using a tubular retractor 

• Percutaneous placement of screws and rods.

• Direct lateral access routes.

• Thoracoscopic access route.

• Discectomy

• Spinal decompression

• Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF).

What Risks are Involved in MISS?

Every surgery involves risks. The following are the risks of minimally invasive spine surgery:

• Increased chances of infection.

• Excess bleeding

• Pain near the grafted region.

• Nerve damage

• Blood clot formation

• Complications due to anesthesia use.

• Spinal fluid leakage causes headaches and other health issues.

• There is little relief from back pain. 

Dr. Vuppu Ravikanth

Consultant - Neuro And Spine Surgeon

Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada

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