Minimally invasive surgery has changed the way that many procedures are performed. Instead of long incisions, lengthy hospital stays, and painful recovery, minimally invasive surgery utilizes keyhole incisions with small instruments and sometimes a small video camera to provide a thorough view.

With minimally invasive surgery, there is less risk of muscle damage, reduced risk of infection, less blood loss, and a shorter recovery time. Many procedures can be performed in an outpatient setting, requiring no hospital stay.

Minimally invasive laser spine surgery is frequently used in the neurosurgical industry to repair herniated discs, correct deformities like scoliosis, remove bone spurs, relieve pressure, stabilize bones and spinal joints, perform spinal fusion, and correct spinal instability.

Some of the most common methods of minimally invasive surgery include:

• Endoscopic approach – Involves the use of an endoscope, which is a flexible tube with a camera on its end. This type of approach can be utilized to examine organs, remove tissue samples for biopsy, and more.
• Tubular retractor – Involves progressive dilation of soft tissues and the use of tubes to keep muscles out of the way of incisions.
• Percutaneous placement of screws and rods – Involves stabilizing the spine through small incisions.

Minimally invasive surgery is not right for all types of neurological or spinal issues or for every patient, but your doctor can determine if you are a candidate.