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Open surgery vs. Minimally invasive spinal surgery
Open surgery vs. Minimally invasive spinal surgery
22-December-2022

Open surgery vs. Minimally invasive spinal surgery

What is non surgical treatment?

Non surgical treatments diagnose, monitor and treat problems in the body without much cutting or surgery. Acupuncture, massage and laser treatment fall under this segment. Spine surgery is recommended when medications and physical therapy do not provide desired results. Open surgery which includes 5 to 6 inch incisions enables surgeons to access and remove the diseased bones and easily place screws and cages to promote healing. However, retraction of muscles during open surgery damages muscles and surrounding soft tissues, thereby aggravating injury and elongating recovery period.

Attributes of minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery, on the other hand, employs smaller incisions than standard surgery and is least harmful to the surrounding muscles and tissues. Owing to small incisions and less pain, minimally invasive surgery provides faster recovery.

Minimally invasive surgery comprises procedures such as lumbar decompression and spinal fusion. The learning curve for minimally invasive surgery is longer and demands massive expertise from the surgeon. Hence surgeons like Dr Karunakaran, with more than two decades experience and numerous accolades to their credit, are best bet when patients decide to opt for minimally invasive surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery is effective in decompression which relieves pressure on spinal nerves. It is also a good choice for spinal fusion. Minimally invasive surgery stabilizes vertebral bones which occurs due to spinal instability, bone spurs, herniated discs and scoliosis.

Open surgery vs. Minimally invasive spinal surgery

 

Compared to open surgery, minimally invasive surgery is lesser in pain and complications and  shorter hospital stay. Open surgery witnesses serious complications such as bleeding and infection.  However, open surgery is preferred over a minimally invasive approach if the patient is not healthy enough to endure anesthesia for longer periods of time. Minimally invasive surgery may be in the form of either laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery. While laparoscopic surgery employs tiny cameras and small tubes, robotic surgery uses a 3D view of the surgical site which enhances precision, flexibility and control throughout the surgery.