Orthopedic Surgeons and Physical Therapists Located in San Antonio and South Texas
Minimally Invasive Surgery Q & A
Opting for “minimally invasive” is crucial when contemplating any surgery, particularly concerning your spine. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, the skilled doctors at South Texas Spinal Clinic can enhance your spine with significant improvements using only small incisions and precise surgical tools. If you’re located in San Antonio or South Texas and wish to explore more about minimally invasive spine surgeries, reach out by calling or conveniently schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Q & A
What is Minimally Invasive Surgery? Unlike traditional open surgery, which requires a large incision for a better view and access to the treatment area, minimally invasive surgery involves small incisions through which specialized instruments are threaded to perform the required work.
What are the Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery? Several advantages come with the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques over open surgery, including:
- Reduced risk of infection
- Minimal blood loss and tissue damage
- Quicker healing time, translating to less downtime
- Diminished post-surgical pain
- Minimal scarring
Which Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgeries are Offered? While minimally invasive techniques are beneficial for surgeries on various body areas, they are particularly advantageous for spinal procedures. South Texas Spinal Clinic provides the following minimally invasive spinal surgeries:
Anterior Cervical Fusion: Relieving nerve pressure in the neck caused by a ruptured disc, this surgery involves a small incision in the front of the neck, removing the compromised disc and replacing it with a bone plug for fusion.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy: Making a small incision in the front of the neck to remove the disc part causing nerve pressure.
Lumbar Microdiscectomy: Using microendoscopic discectomy (MED) to remove a portion of the ruptured lumbar disc, the surgeon makes a small incision and utilizes an endoscope for precise visualization.
Lumbar Laminectomy: Relieving nerve root pressure in the lower back by removing a section of the lamina to access the source of nerve compression, which could be a bone spur, tumor, or herniated disc.
While the doctors prefer minimally invasive techniques, they thoroughly discuss options and resort to surgery only after exploring all alternatives for treating your spinal pain. For more information on these procedures, contact South Texas Spinal Clinic by calling or using the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.
Common Back and Spine Conditions
- Herniated Disc
- Disc Degeneration
- Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Muscle Injury
- Spinal Injury
- Spinal Stiffness
- Arthritis
- Compression Fracture (Osteoporosis)
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is a cutting-edge surgical approach designed to minimize trauma to the body, resulting in smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. MIS techniques use specialized instruments and cameras, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures with precision through tiny incisions. Commonly used in various surgeries, including orthopedic, cardiac, and gastrointestinal, MIS offers numerous benefits such as less scarring, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker return to normal activities. This approach has revolutionized surgical care, making it a preferred option for many patients and surgeons alike.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Reduced Scarring:
- Smaller incisions lead to less noticeable scars compared to open surgery.
Less Pain:
- Patients typically experience less postoperative pain due to reduced tissue damage.
Shorter Hospital Stay:
- MIS often allows for quicker recovery, enabling patients to leave the hospital sooner.
Faster Recovery:
- Patients usually return to normal activities more quickly due to less physical trauma.
Lower Risk of Infection:
- Smaller incisions reduce the exposure of internal tissues to potential contaminants, decreasing the risk of infection.
Less Blood Loss:
- MIS generally involves less blood loss during surgery, reducing the need for transfusions.
Enhanced Precision:
- Advanced instruments and robotic assistance can provide surgeons with better precision and control, especially in complex procedures.
Reduced Postoperative Complications:
- Due to less invasive techniques, there’s often a lower risk of complications like hernias or wound infections.