Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is a general term that includes multiple procedures.
Dr. Garcia is well trained in multiple minimally invasive techniques including lumbar fusion, percutaneous instrumentation, microendoscopic decompression/discectomy and others.
While this type of surgery has many advantages for patients, it is important to understand that not all spine conditions can be treated effectively using a minimally invasive technique.
In minimally invasive spine surgery, smaller incisions, usually less than an inch in length, are made, and specialized instruments and imaging technology are used to access the affected area of the spine. The surgeon uses real-time imaging, such as fluoroscopy or endoscopy, to guide the procedure and perform the necessary interventions.
The advantages include smaller incisions, decreased bleeding, less muscle injury, shorter stays in the hospital and less postoperative pain.
Rolando Garcia, MD, MPH
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The key features of minimally invasive spine surgery include:
- Smaller Incisions: Minimally invasive techniques allow for smaller incisions, resulting in reduced tissue damage, less scarring, and decreased risk of infection.
- Muscle Sparing: Unlike traditional open surgery, minimally invasive approaches aim to minimize muscle dissection and disruption. This can lead to reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and quicker return to normal activities.
- Specialized Instruments: Minimally invasive spine surgery utilizes specialized instruments, such as tubular retractors, endoscopes, or microscopes, that can be inserted through the small incisions to access the spine and perform necessary procedures.
- Real-Time Imaging: Intraoperative imaging technologies like fluoroscopy or endoscopy provide real-time visualization of the surgical site, helping the surgeon navigate and precisely perform the procedure with minimal disruption to surrounding structures.
Minimally invasive spine surgery can be used to treat various spinal conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal deformities, and spinal tumors. The specific techniques employed depend on the condition being treated and the surgeon’s expertise.
Read also: Benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery
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