When it comes to back surgery, there is no “one size fits all” approach. There are also differences between traditional, minimally invasive, and laser spine surgical techniques. Over the years techniques and equipment have evolved significantly, giving surgeons a more comprehensive array of choices and methods to operate. Only your spine surgeon and you can decide together which is the best option for your needs and circumstances. That’s because every patient and their unique spinal condition must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to deliver the most effective surgical treatment.
The Differences Between Traditional, Minimally Invasive, & Laser Back Surgery
The 3 main types of back surgery include traditional (open), minimally invasive, and laser surgery. With traditional (open) surgery, the surgeon uses a long incision to access the area of the spine to be treated. Although traditional surgery has a more extended associated recovery period, it may be the best choice for some patients as the surgeon can easily see the affected area of the spine. Minimally invasive spine surgery involves smaller incisions, with a small tunnel used to access the affected area of the spine using specialized, tiny surgical instruments during surgery. Because incisions are smaller and the procedure is less invasive, there is usually a faster associated recovery and less pain.
Laser back surgerycan remove portions of tissue surrounding the vertebrae and nerves. The goal of laser treatment is to treat spinal problems in a minimally invasive way. The laser is used to remove tissue to decompress a pinched nerve. However, laser techniques may require additional follow-up surgeries, and there is little research available on whether laser back surgery is more beneficial than other surgical techniques. Patients with more complex spinal conditions often require a more traditional surgical approach for the best outcome, mainly because lasers are only appropriate for specific conditions, like ligament enlargement or herniated discs.
Which Type of Back Surgery Is Right for Me?
When it comes to spinal surgery, there are a lot of factors in play in deciding the best treatment route that will yield a predictable outcome. There is no magic bullet and there are no miracle cures. The best way to ensure your surgery is in good hands is to choose an experienced surgeon trained in multiple methods of spinal surgery, especially traditional and minimally invasive techniques.
To contact Comprehensive Spine Institute, please call (727) 300-2537 today to book an appointment with an experienced, compassionate spine surgeon.