Difference Between Open-Back Surgery And Minimally Invasive Back Surgery
The biggest difference between open back surgery and minimally invasive surgery is that minimally invasive surgery requires a much smaller incision. Specially designed small retractors and x-ray fluoroscopy help create a narrow opening to allow your surgeon to access and visualize the area of interest in the spine. Very small instruments are then used to remove cartilage, damaged vertebrae, and/or spinal disc. Minimally invasive spine surgery results in less damage to the soft tissue and muscles surrounding the spine, which leads to faster recovery and less postoperative pain. Other benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:
- Better response to physical therapy
- Less blood loss during surgery
- Smaller and less noticeable scarring
- Less risk of infection
Who Needs Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Most people who suffer from back pain do not receive surgery right away. Your doctor may first recommend other treatment options such as visiting a chiropractor, recommending certain exercises and physical therapy, or pain medication. If your back pain does not improve or worsens, your doctor may then explore surgical treatment options such as minimally invasive cervical decompression surgery. Other conditions that may require the need for minimally invasive back surgery include:
- Herniated disc
- Fractured vertebrae
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Scoliosis and other spinal deformities
- Tumor removal from the spine
- Spinal infection
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Recovery
Some types of minimally invasive spine surgeries can be done as an outpatient procedure meaning that you can go home the same day. Cervical decompression surgery is an outpatient procedure that allows you to go home the same day as your surgery once the effects of the anaesthesia have worn off. You may require pain medication following your surgery for a few days to help with some of the discomfort during recovery. Your surgeon will also send home postoperative care instructions to help you recover correctly. For the first 1-2 weeks, you will be required to avoid any excessive moving or bending of the neck and back. Once the pain begins to go away and your neck and back regain strength, you will be able to move your neck and back more freely, however, you will be required to avoid heavy lifting for at least one month.
Private Spinal Surgery In The Okanagan
Okanagan Health Surgical Centre in Kelowna is a world-class private surgical facility providing advanced orthopedic surgeries including cervical decompression surgery, knee surgery, shoulder surgery, foot and ankle surgery, and more. We provide minimally invasive procedures to allow our patients a faster recovery time so they can get back to living a pain-free life.
The team of private surgeons will be sure to answer any questions you may have during a complimentary consultation regarding minimally invasive procedures including cervical decompression surgery. To book your consultation today call us at 1-250-868-9799 or Toll-Free: 1-877-505-8895 or fill out the contact form below.
FAQ
Q: Do minimally invasive procedures require anaesthesia?
A: Many surgical procedures will require patients to be placed under anaesthesia including minimally invasive surgeries to prevent patients from feeling any pain or discomfort.
Q: How long is the recovery for minimally invasive cervical decompression surgery?
A: Minimally invasive decompression surgery requires at least six weeks of recovery time. This recovery period is significantly shorter than that of an open procedure.
Q: How long is minimally invasive cervical decompression surgery?
A: Minimally invasive cervical decompression surgery only takes about an hour to complete.
