There are a number of conditions that may necessitate the need for the operation. They include, among others, spinal canal stenosis, prolapsed intervertebral discs and presence of vertebral bony spurs among others. Before undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery long island residents need to understand a number of things on the procedure beforehand.
A proper diagnosis is essential before the operation can be considered. Your doctor will need to take your history which will help them determine the nature and magnitude of your problem. Physical examination is also often necessary. The most useful diagnostic tests are MRI and CT scan images of the spine. The CT scan will help in diagnosis bony problems while the MRI will be the preferred mode if the spinal cord is suspected to be compressed.
The doctor will then explain to you why they think the procedure is necessary and what the anticipated complications are. If you agree to have the surgery then it can be done selectively once you have undergone all the preparations. Part of the preparation may include abstaining from cigarette smoking for sometime and interrupting the use of some medications (such as blood thinners).
The major difference between this approach and the traditional technique is that in the former, smaller incisions are used. The surgeon uses these incisions to insert their instruments and perform the procedure. The main forms of operations that may be performed are spinal fusion and decompression.
Decompression is indicated in cases where part of the column is compressing the spinal cord or the spinal roots. Portions of bone may have to be removed for this to be achieved. In fusion on the other hand, several bones are fused together so as to reduce excess movement. This may help with body balance and may also reduce back pain.
The type of anaesthesia to be used in a particular case may be general or regional. The main determinant is the site of the body that is to be operated on. Areas lower in the spinal column may be operated on using regional anaesthesia. This means that one will be awake as the operation takes place. Those higher in the column, on the other hand, will require the use of general anaesthesia.
A number of complications may arise from this procedure as is the case with many forms of surgical operations. The good news is that the rate of complications with the minimally invasive technique is lower as compared to traditional surgical techniques. Those most commonly encountered include pain and infections. The pain is usually responsive to over the counter analgesic agents and wanes over time. Infections can be preventing by taking a course of antibiotics before and after the operation.
The time needed for recovery is largely dependent on the type of surgery that is done. On average, it is a lot shorter than what is seen with the open technique. Most patients are allowed home the same day or within two days. This is as compared to the traditional surgical operation in which the average is five days. Physical therapy is highly recommended as it expedites the healing process. Return to regular routine may take a few weeks or months.
A proper diagnosis is essential before the operation can be considered. Your doctor will need to take your history which will help them determine the nature and magnitude of your problem. Physical examination is also often necessary. The most useful diagnostic tests are MRI and CT scan images of the spine. The CT scan will help in diagnosis bony problems while the MRI will be the preferred mode if the spinal cord is suspected to be compressed.
The doctor will then explain to you why they think the procedure is necessary and what the anticipated complications are. If you agree to have the surgery then it can be done selectively once you have undergone all the preparations. Part of the preparation may include abstaining from cigarette smoking for sometime and interrupting the use of some medications (such as blood thinners).
The major difference between this approach and the traditional technique is that in the former, smaller incisions are used. The surgeon uses these incisions to insert their instruments and perform the procedure. The main forms of operations that may be performed are spinal fusion and decompression.
Decompression is indicated in cases where part of the column is compressing the spinal cord or the spinal roots. Portions of bone may have to be removed for this to be achieved. In fusion on the other hand, several bones are fused together so as to reduce excess movement. This may help with body balance and may also reduce back pain.
The type of anaesthesia to be used in a particular case may be general or regional. The main determinant is the site of the body that is to be operated on. Areas lower in the spinal column may be operated on using regional anaesthesia. This means that one will be awake as the operation takes place. Those higher in the column, on the other hand, will require the use of general anaesthesia.
A number of complications may arise from this procedure as is the case with many forms of surgical operations. The good news is that the rate of complications with the minimally invasive technique is lower as compared to traditional surgical techniques. Those most commonly encountered include pain and infections. The pain is usually responsive to over the counter analgesic agents and wanes over time. Infections can be preventing by taking a course of antibiotics before and after the operation.
The time needed for recovery is largely dependent on the type of surgery that is done. On average, it is a lot shorter than what is seen with the open technique. Most patients are allowed home the same day or within two days. This is as compared to the traditional surgical operation in which the average is five days. Physical therapy is highly recommended as it expedites the healing process. Return to regular routine may take a few weeks or months.
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