Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Houston
Traditional spine surgery involves an open incision, which allows the surgeon full view of the area being operated on. However, recent advancements in technology have made minimally invasive spine surgery possible for Houston residents.
A minimally invasive spine surgery procedure does not require a long incision, which helps avoid damage to the muscles and soft tissues. It also results in less post-operative pain and a shorter hospital stay for patients. Although the length of the hospital stay varies by patient and procedure, typically, patients are able to go home in two to three days after surgery.
Minimally invasive spine surgery offers several other advantages to patients, including:
- Decreased blood loss
- Short skin incisions
- Shorter operative times
- Fewer pre-operative complications
- Accelerated rehabilitation
Although there are many benefits to minimally invasive spine surgery compared to traditional spine surgery, even minimally invasive procedures are only recommended when non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful at managing back pain and problems. It is also important to note that some back and neck problems may not be able to be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery. Common surgeries include lumbar discectomy and lumbar fusion.
Minimally invasive surgery usually means less post-operative pain for patients, but patients should still expect to feel some discomfort. The exact length of recovery and how long it takes to return to daily activities depends on the procedure and the patient’s condition. To ensure the best possible outcome and help the patient regain strength and mobility, a doctor may recommend physical therapy as part of recovery from minimally invasive spine surgery.
As with any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks. Talk to your doctor to determine if minimally invasive spine surgery is the best option to treat your back pain and to understand the risks associated with your procedure.