For the millions of Americans suffering from chronic back or neck pain, a technique known as minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery is becoming an increasingly popular option to achieve lasting relief without the long recovery associated with traditional "open" surgery.
Back pain is so prevalent that national
statistics indicate it affects eight of 10 people at some point in their lives.
It has become clear that for many of these patients, minimally invasive
endoscopic spine surgery offers them the best chance at resuming their
previously active lifestyle.
The technique is more effective than ever, as
the complexity and procedures available continue to rapidly evolve. As
minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery continues to flourish, patients
want to know more about the technique and how it might help them. Dr. Kaixuan
Liu, an expert in minimally invasive endoscopic spine procedures, spoke with NJ
Advance Media about this cutting-edge approach.
A:
Endoscopic or "keyhole" surgery such as this relies on a thin,
telescope-like instrument known as an endoscope. It's inserted through tiny
incisions in the patient's body and attached to a small video camera that
projects an internal view of the patient onto TV screens in the operating room.
The surgeon passes small surgical instruments through the incisions -- usually
no more than a half-inch long -- and closes them later with sutures. The length
of the operation depends on the spinal condition being corrected.
A:
There are many advantages over open surgery. A few small scars are needed for
minimally invasive surgery rather than one long scar, which means less blood
loss during surgery and less pain afterward. Unlike other techniques used,
physicians at Atlantic Spine Center perform true minimally invasive spine
surgery, going between muscles with no need for cutting. Additionally, there's
a reduced risk of infection and a shorter hospital stay -- typically a few days
instead of a week, which means a quicker return to prior activities.
A:
Every surgery carries risks, however, the endoscopic approach drops the risk of
infection and gets patients back on their feet more quickly, lowering the risk
of dangerous postoperative blood clots in the legs known as deep-vein
thrombosis.
Q: When should an individual consider the
procedure?
A: A
doctor can tell whether minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery is an
option to treat what's causing an individual's neck or back pain. As a rule,
surgery should always be considered a last resort, but if an individual has
tried various non-surgical treatments over a six- to 12-month period that
haven't helped, then surgery can be a reasonable option to address certain
problems.
A:
In many cases, physical therapy is considered an important part of a patient's
swift and complete recovery and begins two to six weeks after surgery.
A:
The most pressing question most patients have is how fast they can get back to
work or sports after undergoing minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery.
This technique gives them the best chance of doing exactly what they want to do
-- quickly and safely. There are many compelling reasons more of our patients
are benefiting from this cutting-edge technique.
Kaixuan Liu, MD, PhD, is a surgeon who is
fellowship-trained in minimally invasive spine surgery and has been on the
leading edge of the minimally and endoscopic spine surgery world for many
years.
He also serves as an international surgeon
for spinal foundations across the globe as an adviser, consultant, and
assistant for minimally invasive spine procedures. His facility, Atlantic Spine
Center is a nationally recognized leader in the new minimally invasive approach
and has welcomed patients from all over the world.
Learn more at atlanticspinecenter.com.
This post was originally published here: Top Questions About Minimally Invasive
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
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