Minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) is performed on the bones of the spine. Unlike traditional surgical methods, minimally invasive spinal surgery utilizes very small incisions and small specialized tools to perform the surgery, which helps to minimize damage to nearby muscles and other tissues. Learn more about this innovative surgical procedure and how to prepare for it below.
Minimally invasive spinal surgery can offer a number of advantages over standard surgery, including less pain, fewer surgical risks, a shorter hospital stay, reduced downtime after surgery, and less scarring. This is because it uses much smaller incisions, which reduces trauma to nearby tissues. Traditional ‘open’ spinal surgery requires a long incision down the back and typically involves moving muscles and soft tissues out of the way in order to perform the procedure. In some cases, tissue may even be removed. This can result in a much longer recovery and a higher risk of complications (such as infection) as the tissues heal.
When Is Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Necessary?
Spinal surgery is typically only recommended if you have a chronic back problem that results in pain and/or disability and fails to improve with other more conservative treatments, such as medication and physical therapy. Spinal surgery cannot fix all types of back problems but can often treat conditions such as:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal fractures
- Scoliosis and other spinal deformities
- Spinal instability
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Spondylolisthesis
- Infections in the spine
- Tumor removal
Most Common Minimally Invasive Spinal Procedures
Minimally invasive spinal surgery is commonly used for several types of spinal procedures, including:
- Lumbar fusion–involves permanently joining together two or more bones in the spine (vertebrae) to prevent movement, and strengthen and stabilize that segment of the spine.
- Lumbar decompression (microdiscectomy) – involves removing a damaged disc in the lower back to relieve pain caused by pinched nerves.
- Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty– to treat compression fractures in the spine by restoring the vertebrae to their original shape and alignment.
- Posterior cervical foraminotomy – involves widening the foramen (the tunnel where the nerve roots exit the spinal cord) to relieve nerve root compression in the neck.
Preparing for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
If you are planning to undergo minimally invasive spinal surgery, there are some things to think about beforehand that can help improve your recovery and reduce the risk of surgery-related complications. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can get ready for surgery.
Ways to prepare for minimally invasive spinal surgery include:
A Pre-Operative Physical Exam
Before your surgery, you will have a physical exam to assess your health and suitability for surgery. As with all types of surgery, there can be risks involved, so your provider will want to check that you’re in the best health possible prior to your procedure. Your health check may include things such as:
- Reviewing which medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements) – certain medications can increase your risk of complications during surgery or make it more difficult to fight infection during healing. As a result, some medications may need to be stopped or changed in the lead up to your procedure.
- Evaluating your medical and family health history to assess whether there are any existing conditions that could impact your surgery or recovery.
- Tests – basic tests like a blood test and checking your vital signs are usually necessary preceding surgery to check if you are in good health for your procedure. In some cases, your provider may also recommend other tests, such as X-rays, an MRI, or EKG prior to your surgery.
Ask Questions
It is important to find out exactly what you can expect before, during, and after your surgery. This allows you to be as prepared as possible. You should discuss any concerns or questions you have about your procedure or recovery with your provider, such as what is involved, how much downtime you need, what your limitations will be, when you can return to activities (such as driving or work), and whether there are things you can do beforehand to speed up your recovery.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is not just bad for your overall health, it also increases your risk of complications during and after spinal surgery. Smoking can thin your blood, decrease blood circulation, slow down the healing process, and increase your risk of infection. Research has shown that surgeries, such as spinal fusions, are also much more likely to fail in smokers than in non-smokers. This is because nicotine can reduce the body’s absorption of calcium and slow the production of bone-producing cells, known as osteoblasts.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Ensuring you eat a healthy, nutritious diet will help put you in the best health possible before your spinal surgery and help promote healing after surgery. Eat a diet rich in a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein, and low in sodium, saturated fats, cholesterol, and added sugars.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can have a direct impact on your immune system and your liver, which could lead to surgical complications. It can also affect your ability to heal following an operation. It is best to avoid alcohol for at least 1 week before and 2 weeks after your surgery to help prevent complications, such as delayed wound healing, excessive bleeding, and heart problems.
Lose Excess Weight
Being at a healthy weight can help lower your risk of surgery-related complications, such as infection, blood clots, and heart attack. It can also help protect the future health of your spine after surgery. This is because carrying excess weight can put added pressure on the spine and increase the risk of injury and conditions such as degenerative disc disease and herniated discs.
Get Help During Your Recovery
Some types of minimally invasive spinal surgeries can be done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day as your procedure. Your provider will observe you for a couple of hours after your surgery to make sure there are no concerns. Other procedures may require a short stay in the hospital.
You will need to have someone drive you home afterwards, and you may need help at home initially after your surgery to prevent injury and post-surgical complications. Certain movements, such as bending and lifting, will need to be limited, and you may need to wear a brace for extra support. You will receive instructions on what you can and can’t do after your surgery and when you can increase your activity level. Doing too much too soon may delay your healing and may cause injury, which could result inthe need for further surgery.
Prepare Your Home in Advance
Certain movements will be limited or will need to be avoided following your surgery. It helps to prepare your home in advance to reduce the risk of you injuring yourself. To avoid trips and falls,clear your house of hazards, such as loose wires or items on the floor, so that your home is safe and easy to move around in. Put things you use frequently within easy reach, so you don’t have to bend or reach for items. Make sure you have somewhere to sit and rest comfortably that has a firm cushion, arm rests, and a seat at knee level, so it is easy to get in and out of.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery in Lone Tree, Parker, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Castle Rock, Colorado
If you are considering minimally invasive spinal surgery or would like to explore treatment options for a chronic back problem, visit Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery. Our experienced providers specialize in a range of surgical and nonsurgical treatments, with a focus on advanced microsurgical treatments, for a wide range of spinal and intracranial disorders.
For high quality, compassionate care, call us today at (303) 790-1800 or use our simple online form to arrange a consultation with one of our expert neurosurgeons.
