Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Clinic In Frisco Texas

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What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) is the medically modern practice of performing surgery on the spine using cameras and small instruments to reduce incisions required during spinal surgery. This reduction of incisions means less blood loss, less pain, less risk of infection and less healing time for the patient as compared with classic spinal surgery, often referred to as “Open Surgery.” With MISS techniques a patient can get spinal surgery as an outpatient procedure– having them back on their feet and pain-free in no time. Read on to learn more about MISS and why it might be the solution to your back pain!

What Conditions Does Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Treat?

Back pain is a very common ailment, and most people with back pain will not need surgery, being about to alleviate their pain with medication or physical therapy. If that doesnt work a health provider may suggest MISS as a possible solution. Spinal surgery can fix a variety of spinal problems such as the narrowing of the spine (aka spinal stenosis), herniated or torn spinal discs, spinal deformities or spinal instability. It can also be used to remove tumors or painful bone spurs putting pressure on the nerves of the spine.

What Are The Risks Of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery In Comparison To Traditional Spine Surgery?

Traditional Spine Surgery, or open surgery, requires large incisions in the back and has a long recovery time, as well as potential for larger complications such as blood loss during surgery and infections. In contrast, the risks of minimally invasive spine surgery are relatively small, but no surgery is risk-free. Risks of MISS include pain at the incision site, infection, blood clots, leaking of spinal fluid or not enough relief for your back pain.

What Kind Of Prep Does Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Require?

Talk to your healthcare provider about what kind of prep MISS requires. It usually starts with a battery of tests such as diagnostic X-Rays and MRIs. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider any medications you take, including over the counter, as they could interact with the surgery drugs. You may also be required to forego food the night before the surgery

What To Expect During A Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery:

Surgery is daunting, but it pays to be prepared. MISS is usually a straightforward surgery, but every surgery is as unique as the patient The steps are as follows:

  • The level of anesthesia given is dependent on the surgery itself– for some MISS surgeries, such as endoscopic spine surgery, general anesthesia is not needed and only local and mild anesthetics are used. Other surgeries require full anesthesia. Either way, the patients comfort is ensured throughout the surgery
  • Once the patient is comfortable, the medical staff will monitor all vital signs
  • The Neurosurgeon in charge will be guided by an X-Ray
  • A small incision is made near the spine– the placement is dependent upon the area of injury in the spine (such as higher up on your neck, or on your lower back)
  • A tubular retractor, about the size of a pencil, is placed inside the incision.
  • Small tools, including a light and a digital camera, are placed through the tubular retractor and into the spine. These tools are used to perform the surgery within the spinal column
  • When the repairs to the spinal column are complete, the tubular retractor is carefully removed and the incision stitched up.

What To Expect After A Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery:

For some patients, MISS is an outpatient procedure. This means they may be monitored by the office for an hour or two after, and then sent on their way. Others require a night or two stays at the hospital. Either way, patients will need to be driven home after the procedure.

There are specific requirements for back surgery patients– they should not lift, move or bend their back too much in the days directly following the surgery. Ask your healthcare provider specifically what you should and should not do during your recovery. There may be a small amount of pain or seepage from the incision wound, but that should subside in a few days.

MINT: Back Pain Solutions In Frisco, Texas

Suffering from stubborn back problems? Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Texas, or MINT, can help you get back to a pain-free life! Our clinic offers world-class neurosurgery options for people suffering from spinal stenosis, sacroiliac joint disorder, and a whole host of other painful conditions. Check out our website and consider making an in-person or telehealth appointment today!