When to Seek Minimally Invasive Back Surgery in Plano, Texas
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There are several neurosurgeons that perform minimally invasive back surgery in Plano, TX. This type of surgical procedure uses the safest and most advanced facility and equipment. However, no matter how advanced it is, many patients hesitate to seek it as a solution to back problems.
One reason why patients feel doubtful is that they think it might take them a long time to recover. And worse, they also think it may cause more harm than good.
Though it’s rightful to doubt the risks of any procedure, many of these fears stem from lack of information. That’s why the goal of this post is to share facts that will help clear or lessen those fears.
Types of Minimally Invasive Back Surgery
Minimally invasive back surgery, often referred to as MISS (Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery), involves a sensitive procedure. But unlike other invasive neurosurgical operations, it causes minimal tissue trauma so it takes less time to recover from.
There are also several types of this procedure, which may involve different techniques and different levels of invasiveness. The techniques used will also depend on what type of condition needs to be treated. For example, a minimally invasive spinal stenosis surgery is usually performed with a lumbar laminectomy or lumbar foraminotomy for spinal decompression.
The following are the common techniques in MISS:
- Spinal Fusion – a technique used to fuse or join spinal bones together to prevent them from dislocating or herniating.
- Laminectomy – a spinal decompression technique that removes the lamina to relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Foraminotomy – a spinal decompression technique that widens the tunnels at the back part of the spinal bones to relieve nerve pressure.
- Discectomy and microdiscectomy – a technique used to remove a spinal disc (or parts of it) that compresses the spinal cord or nerves.
- Disc Replacement and Spinal Implants – the removal and replacement of a spinal disc, and the use of synthetic implants to correct, support or affix parts of the spinal bones.
Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Indications
MISS is indicated for several neck and back problems, although not all back problems can be resolved using the procedure. MISS is usually indicated for treating the following conditions:
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal deformities
- Degenerative disc disease
- Vertebral compression
- Herniated discs
- Vertebral fractures
Depending on factors such as severity and malignancy, MISS can also be indicated to treat or relieve symptoms of spinal tumors and some forms of spinal infection.
Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Benefits
Because it doesn’t require a large incision to perform the procedure, MISS can provide better benefits than traditional spinal surgeries. Those benefits are:
- Less or minimal bleeding from the wound
- Less pain and discomfort
- Less disruption to movement or activity after the operation
- Shorter recovery time
- Less need for pain medication
- Less risk for infection
- Less risk for complications
Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Risks
Though MISS can provide more benefits, there are still some risks associated with the procedures. The risks become more likely if the patient has other medical conditions, or has unhealthy habits that could complicate their recovery.
Common risks associated with MISS include the following:
- Allergic or adverse reactions to anesthesia and or drugs used for the procedure
- Blood clots may form in patients with risk for thrombotic disorders
- Hemorrhage may also occur in patients with risk for bleeding disorders
- Heart attack or stroke in cardiac patients may be caused by blood clots that formed after the procedure
- Reversible and irreversible nerve damage may occur due to untoward surgical complications
These risks, however, rarely occur and are most common in patients that don’t comply with post-operative care instructions and those who undergo surgery without revealing other underlying medical conditions.
Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Reviews
The effectiveness of surgical procedures is gauged through its success rate. For minimally invasive back surgery, success rate is between 90 and 95 percent. That means that MISS procedures are successful most of the time.
Many MISS patient reviews indicate that they experienced little or no complications after the surgery. After a short time of rest and recovery, they’re able to go back to work like usual. And, they also didn’t need to drug themselves with strong pain relievers to cope with post-operative pain.
Where Do I Find Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Near Me?
If you think that you may be a good candidate for MISS, you can book an appointment with Dr. Scott Kutz, MD (Board Certified Neurosurgeon) at Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery in Texas (MINT). Just dial (972) 244-3491 to inquire about their minimally invasive back surgery in Plano, TX.