Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery: Treatment of Spinal Stenosis
Minimal invasive surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed through small punctures and incisions. Minimal invasive spine surgery (MIS) is also referred to as laser spine surgery, endoscopic surgery or minimal access spine surgery. The surgery involves the passing of tubular retractors or an endoscope through the punctures or incisions that are made near the spine. MIS is quickly catching on as the treatment of choice for spinal stenosis when surgery is the only option.
Using MIS reduces various complications related to other surgical procedures. Chances of being infected are greatly reduced. Patients experience less pain in healing and recover faster from this surgical procedure. MIS has also been shown to improve back muscle function.
Treatment of Spinal Stenosis – MIS Methods
The first MIS method applies the use of tubular retractors. These are specialized medical instruments that facilitate microscopic visualization. Tubular retractors make it possible to carry out surgery without causing damage to muscles or other soft tissue in the area. This treatment for spinal stenosis results in minimal damage. The tubular retractors are inserted into the back through small incisions. They gently separate and dilate the soft tissue and muscles in the back as they progress to the targeted area.
MIS for the treatment of spinal stenosis using endoscopes is similar to that which applies the use of tubular retractors. Endoscopes are thin tube-like structures with a built in camera and light source. The endoscope facilitates the surgery by being passed through small incisions in the back and positioned at the targeted site. The instruments to be used in the surgery are then passed through the endoscope. The surgeon then performs the surgery at this site using the images from the camera in the endoscope as a guide.
MIS is not only used in the treatment of spinal stenosis but also in the treatment of other spinal problems such as cervical and lumbar herniated discs. The procedure is quickly catching on as the surgical procedure of choice since there is minimal blood loss, quicker recovery times and less damage to soft tissue and muscles in the back.
Spinal Stenosis Treatments
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery: Treatment of Spinal Stenosis
Article published January 6th, 2011
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