Minimally invasive spine surgery

What is minimally invasive spine surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is a surgical technique that achieves the same goal as traditional open surgery, but through smaller incisions.

During minimally invasive spine surgery, specialised instruments are used to perform interventions through small incisions, which reduces the chance of muscle and soft tissue injury compared to traditional open surgery.

The criteria for MISS are the same as for traditional open surgery, and it is usually recommended only when non-surgical treatments have not relieved the painful symptoms caused by a back problem.

What are the advantages of MISS?

Here are some of the main differences between MISS and traditional spine surgery:

• Smaller incisions (with better cosmetic results)
• Less likelihood of muscle and soft tissue injuries
• Less blood loss during surgery
• Reduced risk of muscle injury
• Faster recovery
• Shorter hospital stay (some surgeries can even be performed on an outpatient basis, although most patients are discharged after a 2-3 day stay)

Which surgeries can be performed with MIS techniques?

The following spinal operations can be performed with minimally invasive techniques:

• Laminectomy: a procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots by removing the lamina, the bony arch at the back of the vertebrae.
• Microdiscectomy and discectomy: a procedure used to remove a herniated disc in the lower back that presses on a nerve root and causes pain or weakness in the leg.
• Kyphoplasty: a procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures usually related to osteoporosis.
• Cervical disc replacement: a procedure that involves removing a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc in the neck and replacing it with an artificial disc.
• Spinal fusion: a procedure used to fuse two or more vertebrae together to stabilise the spine and reduce pain caused by movement between the vertebrae.

The specific MISS procedure used will depend on the patient’s condition and the location of the problem in the spine or other parts of the body.

However, regardless of the patient’s indication, MISS is not always the best option and may not be as safe or effective as traditional open surgery in some situations. Consult with your spine surgeon at BSI, who will advise you which surgical approach is best for your case. Consult BSI with your spine surgeon, who will advise you which surgical approach is best for your case.