What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is performed using specialized surgical tools inserted through small incisions. Minimally invasive spine surgery may decrease post-operative pain and allow you to return to your full activities faster.
Dr. Rabbani uses an operating microscope for nearly all spine surgeries. The operating microscope provides a well-lit, magnified view of the surgical site. Microscopic surgery significantly improves visualization of nerves and neural elements allowing for more precise and safe surgery.
What are the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery?
Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery offers several substantial benefits, such as:
- Reduced blood loss
- Less postoperative pain
- Faster recovery
- Minimal scarring
- Lower risk of infection
What spine conditions can be treated with minimally invasive surgery?
Some conditions that are treatable with minimally invasive spine surgery include:
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Spinal instability
- Spondylolisthesis
- Compression fractures
- Spinal deformities such as scoliosis
- Spinal tumors and infections
What surgical procedures are performed using minimally invasive surgery?
Most spinal operations that once required open surgery now have minimally invasive alternatives. Even when screws and rods are needed to stabilize or immobilize your spine, Dr. Rabbani may insert them through small incisions.
The most common minimally invasive procedures performed on the spine include:
- Spinal fusion: fusing two vertebrae together to stabilize and strengthen the spine
- Discectomy: surgery to trim or remove a herniated disc
- Spinal decompression: bone and ligament are removed to enlarge the spinal canal and decompress nerves
To learn whether you’re a good candidate for microscopic or minimally invasive spine surgery, call Ramin Rabbani, MD or book a consultation online.
