Most patients seek medical care for common problems like back and neck pain, especially when conservative treatment options fail to provide relief. As a neuro-interventional surgical center, LAMIS has witnessed firsthand how surgical advancement has improved spinal cord treatment.
At LAMIS Institute, we are committed to enhancing the lives of our patients and can provide you with the highest level of care and guidance before your procedure. This article will help you understand Massachusetts minimally invasive spine surgery, its advantages, risks, recovery expectations, and eligibility criteria.
Understanding Minimally Invasive Spine Surgical Procedures
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (MISS) is a relatively new treatment option for spine surgery. It requires only small incisions and does not affect surrounding tissues or muscles. Surgeons can use MISS to treat several conditions, such as:
- Bone spurs
- Spinal tumors
- Spinal instability
- Herniated discs
- Scoliosis
- Other medical issues that strain the spinal nerves
They can also stabilize a patient’s vertebral bones and joints.
Types of Massachusetts Minimally Invasive Surgery
MISS involves many types of procedures depending on your specific condition. These include the following:
Endoscopic Surgery
Endoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting long, narrow tubes directly into a patient’s body to examine their internal organs. Physicians and surgeons use it during surgical procedures and for medical imaging.
Keyhole Surgery
Small keyhole incisions provide access to specialized surgical instruments during minimally invasive spinal surgery procedures. These incisions usually measure about half an inch in length, though this can vary by surgical area. One access point accommodates an endoscope, a thin tube with an attached camera on its tip that illuminates and projects real images onto a monitor. Surgeons use long, narrow instruments to perform surgery through these access ports.
Robotic Surgery
Surgeons perform robotic surgery using an electronic operating station resembling a computer. From this station, they control robotic arms and high-definition cameras that carry out the procedure.
The Ideal Candidate For a Massachusetts Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Not all patients with spinal conditions are eligible for Massachusetts minimally invasive spine surgery. Several factors, including the severity and nature of your condition, overall health, and previous treatments, will determine whether the operation proceeds. You and your doctor should be equipped to make informed decisions based on your circumstances.
Surgery is recommended only when other treatments, such as physical therapy and medication, prove ineffective. Your doctor will use diagnostic imaging methods like MRIs and X-rays to pinpoint the pain’s origin and assess whether MISS can relieve it. Elderly patients are generally good candidates for this kind of surgery.
Medical Conditions That Can Be Treated Using Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
If you qualify as a good candidate for Massachusetts minimally invasive spine surgery, you should experience less pain and expect a shorter hospital stay. A professional spine surgeon can offer the necessary care for the following spine conditions:
Vertebral Disc Degenerative Disorder
This minor issue affects the vertebral discs and worsens over time. As people age, their discs become stiffer and less flexible, making older adults more susceptible to this condition. Minimally invasive spine surgery can be used to treat the structural changes caused by this disorder, including disc herniation.
Herniated Discs
A disc rupture or herniation occurs when the fluid within the disc bursts and flows outside of it. The leaking fluid can irritate and inflame your spinal nerves, damaging the discs and causing severe back pain.
Symptoms of Sciatica
These are symptoms caused by a compressed sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerves run from the legs to the lower back, passing through the buttocks. Pain and numbness are symptoms of nerve injury. Your doctor may recommend a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and address the nerve pain caused by compression.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a disorder characterized by narrowing of the nerve passageways, such as the spinal canal. This condition can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected area. It is more common in older adults.
Infections of the Spinal Column
Spinal infections can occur after undergoing an operation. Vertebral discs are among the many areas of the spine susceptible to infection. Your physician can determine the cause of a spinal infection and treat it after performing an examination. However, you might experience pain even without prior injury. Pain is typically a sign that something is wrong with the spine or surrounding tissues.
Spondylolisthesis
This medical condition arises when the upper vertebrae slide over the lower vertebrae beneath them. The severity of a patient’s spine condition largely depends on the extent of the slide and gravity’s effect on it.
Vertebral Compression Fracture
A vertebral compression fracture may occur if you have osteoporosis or have suffered a serious back injury. Severe and excruciating back pain is one of the main signs of a fracture. Fortunately, surgeons can address this issue using minimally invasive surgical methods.
Preparing For the Surgery
Before undergoing a Massachusetts minimally invasive spine surgery, you should do the following:
- Ensure your surgeon reviews all your prescriptions with you in the days leading up to your procedure. You may need to stop taking herbal remedies and non-essential medications, as they could negatively interact with sedation and other prescribed medications.
- You should stop smoking. You can consult your physician for advice on this matter. They can help you understand the medications and strategies available to assist you.
- Maintaining muscle mass and physical health by regularly exercising. This supports both the maintenance of your physical fitness and the acceleration of your healing process.
- Your surgeon will also need to see your spine using an MRI or X-ray. To prevent infection, you will receive antibiotics before and after the procedure. Your doctor will also advise you on what to eat the night before the procedure.
Advantages of Using MISS
Generally speaking, surgery is reversed as a last resort after all other therapeutic, pharmaceutical, and medical approaches have failed to yield the intended results. This is because surgery, particularly spine surgery, carries several risk factors and may negatively impact your overall health in the long run.
Thanks to advancements in medical technology, patients requiring spine surgery now have more secure and effective options. Doctors and patients alike favor minimally invasive surgery for several reasons. The following advantages make it a better treatment option than open surgery:
Lower Risks of Complications
Many patients find the thought of having spine surgery frightening due to possible complications. However, with minimally invasive spinal surgery, the risk is much lower. This gives you and your doctor the confidence to undergo treatment without worry.
The procedure is less complex and invasive than open surgery, requiring only tiny incisions to access the surgical site. This approach protects your extremely delicate inner structures. The operation also lowers the risk of blood loss, muscle deterioration, and spinal infections.
It Is Physically Appealing Compared to Open Surgery
There is a chance that patients are left with deep scarring after open surgeries, and those scars could last for a long time. This can negatively impact people’s self-esteem and body image. However, scarring from minimally invasive surgery is minimal and may eventually fade. You can be confident that your self-esteem will not be affected by any scar marks on your back.
Easier and Quicker Recovery
Scars from MISS procedures heal faster than those from open spine surgery, resulting in a quicker and easier recovery. While prolonged hospital stays are often necessary after surgery, no one enjoys being hospitalized. However, after a minimally invasive surgery, you should be able to return to your regular life sooner.
Surgeons can perform certain procedures outside of healthcare facilities and thus avoid hospitalization. This saves patients money and eliminates the need for further hospital visits and the costs associated with specialist treatment.
It Is a Less Traumatic Treatment Method
Some patients may experience trauma following an invasive treatment procedure, such as open spine surgery. This trauma could permanently impact their social and professional lives, among other areas.
You will not experience any trauma during a MISS procedure. It is a simple, quick process that requires minimal physical contact with your body. The procedure aims to reduce the risk of worsening your condition or causing additional discomfort.
Requires Less Anesthesia
The anesthesia used during open spine surgeries can have adverse effects on some patients. Severe anesthetic reactions may cause long-term complications. However, minimally invasive spine operations require less anesthesia, suggesting a lower risk of complications.
Risks of a Massachusetts Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
MISS carries risks, like any other surgical procedure. These include:
- Some bleeding may occur, but it should not be excessive
- To lower the risk of infection, your physician should prescribe antibiotics before, during, and after the MISS surgery. They should also provide you with instructions for wound care.
- Some patients may experience persistent pain at the bone graft site or the surgical incision area
- Complications associated with anesthesia
- Insufficient relief from backache and discomfort
- Blood clots
- Leaks of spinal fluid can cause problems such as headaches
- Nerve damage. During surgery, blood vessels may occasionally sustain damage
- Recurring symptoms. Some patients may experience a recurrence of their initial signs and symptoms.
The risks can change depending on your age, overall health, and type of MISS surgery. Skilled and experienced surgeons at a reputable medical facility can significantly decrease the risks associated with surgery. Ask your surgeon or doctor about any risk factors relevant to you. Before the procedure, inform them about any allergies and medications you take
It is important to inquire about the qualifications of your surgeon. This includes any certifications required to use specialized technologies such as robotics and knowledge of using these technologies and patient surgical outcomes.
The Recovery Process
The recovery time varies from patient to patient but is usually six weeks. This recovery time is significantly shorter than with open surgery. Your surgeon should provide you with a detailed recovery plan.
You should also get enough sleep to give your body the time and energy it needs to heal. An active lifestyle can make it difficult to relax. However, you should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for a few weeks after your MISS procedure. Find someone to help you around the house and run daily errands while you heal.
Your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and hasten your recovery. Physical therapy may start in the hospital following your procedure and continue once you are home. Initially, your workouts should focus on restoring strength and range of motion before progressively increasing the intensity of muscle exercises to develop core balance and strength.
The following are a few exercises you should think about trying:
- Straight-leg lifts
- Bridges, particularly if you have undergone spinal fusion surgery
- Abdominal draw-ins
- Wall squats
- Stationary cycling
- Flex your hamstrings
- Short walks are an excellent way to strengthen your legs and core without straining any particular area.
- Heel slides
You need to take care of the incision from the surgery while recovering at home. An infection could worsen or prolong recovery. Clean the surgical area and follow your doctor’s instructions for at-home care. Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any infection-related symptoms such as redness, swelling, fever, or unusual drainage.
Attend all of your follow-up medical appointments. Your surgeon will monitor your healing process throughout the visits and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Depending on the nature of your Massachusetts minimally invasive spine surgery, you must wait before returning to your regular schedule. However, you should resume your activities gradually.
How Much Does a Massachusetts Minimal Invasive Surgery Cost?
The initial costs of a MISS surgery can be high, as the procedure requires highly skilled surgeons using cutting-edge technology. However, it is far less expensive than conventional spine surgery in several ways, including:
- Less time spent in hospital
- There are reduced risks of complications
- The procedure takes less time
Do Insurance Companies Cover MISS?
Massachusetts minimally invasive spine surgery is performed only by surgeons to treat medical conditions. Once your surgeon certifies that the procedure is medically necessary and you have satisfied your insurer’s conservative treatment requirements, your insurer should cover it, as it is not a cosmetic procedure.
Medicare also covers MISS. However, your out-of-pocket costs depend on how you receive Medicare benefits and where you receive treatment. Beware that Medicare has specific rules that you must follow. Adhering to your doctor's advice ensures you receive the best possible coverage.
Find a Massachusetts Neuro-Interventional Surgery Facility Near Me
Massachusetts minimally invasive spine surgery has gained popularity over the years because it provides better results than traditional open surgery while causing less damage to muscles and tissues. If your chronic neck and back pain persists despite non-surgical treatment options, consider contacting LAMIS.
We are committed to providing comprehensive care, customized treatment plans, and advanced surgical techniques. We also offer relevant advice to help you make informed decisions about your health. Call 310-734-6088 for more information about our services and to schedule an appointment.
