Minimally Invasive Surgery

The Procedure

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery utilizes special tools that allow surgeons to make far smaller surgical incisions. In years past, a similar procedure would require a larger incision made down the entire back.

The spine is by far one of the most delicate areas of the body, therefore, whenever it is possible, Dr. Varma prefers to use the least invasive surgical measures to available at the time. In general, the goal of minimally invasive spine surgery is to help patients alleviate their spinal issues, pain and discomfort, while being able to stabilize the vertebrae, spinal joints and relieve any pressure being applied to the spinal nerves (compression).

We can use minimally invasive variations for a variety of different surgical procedures, in order to alleviate issues such as:

• Spinal Deformity
• Scoliosis
• Spinal Tumors
• Spinal Instability
• Bone Spurs
• Herniated Discs
• Spinal Compression

How Does Minimally Invasive Surgery Differ from Traditional “Open” Surgery?

As opposed to the traditional “open” spinal procedures, minimally invasive approaches to surgery use far smaller, shorter incisions, as well as innovative surgical tools that specially allow us to reach all areas of the spine, through the same small opening. These procedures are often performed much faster, safer, and allow for a much shorter recovery time — by reducing the level of trauma to the muscles, tendons and other soft tissue in the area.

The Procedure & Tools

The spine is a sensitive area, with a number of different vital parts to it. Most of the nerves, vertebrae, discs, and other parts are located fairly deep into the body and will require us to move back and neck muscles out of the way. This can be difficult when using a small incision, therefore, we use highly specialized, innovative tools to help us through the process. Some of these tools include endoscopy devices, small cameras, dilators, retractor tubes to move muscles out of the way rather than cutting through them, guiding instruments and way more.

Using these methods, we are able to access almost any area of the spine, place rods and screws, add implants & remove discs, and even perform spinal fusion.

Some of the most common MIS procedures include:

• Discectomy — When the spinal discs begin to breakdown, and can rupture or herniate, they will need to be replaced.
• Spinal Decompression — When the spinal column narrows, spinal stenosis occurs causing compression on the spinal nerves. Leading to severe pain and other symptoms. Other issues can also cause this compression. In order to alleviate this nerve compression, we can use some minimally invasive means.
• MIS-TLIF (Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) — Due to a variety if issues, lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or radiculopathy, and overall spinal instability, fusion may be required. For more information on any of these specific procedures, or to schedule a consultation please contact Dr. Varma today.