Many people are afraid when they think about having surgery for a back problem. They think of a large incision along the spine, being bedridden for days, and unbearable pain. However, in this era of advanced medical science, that fear is largely misplaced. Because now there is a special method that can perform back surgery with minimal incisions and minimal damage to the body. That's what we're talking about today.
What is minimally invasive back surgery?
Simply put, this is also a surgery to correct back problems. However, it is not something that involves making a large incision along the spine and moving a lot of muscles around like the old method.
Imagine that you need to repair a water pipe inside a wall in your house. One way is to tear down the entire wall and find the pipe and repair it. The other way is to find the exact location of the pipe, drill a small hole just there, and use the equipment to repair the pipe.
That's how this surgery is.
- Open Surgery: In this method, the surgeon makes a large incision along the spine. Then, the muscles and tissues are removed until the spine is clearly visible. This results in more pain after the surgery, longer recovery time, and a larger scar.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: This involves making one or more very small incisions. Then, the doctor inserts a thin tube (tubular retractor) or a camera-equipped device (endoscope) through the incision, and performs the surgery through it. This causes very little damage to the surrounding muscles and tissues. As a result, there is less pain, less healing time, and very little scarring.
What back diseases can be treated with this method?
Many types of spinal surgeries can be performed using this modern technique. For example, spinal decompression, which relieves nerve compression, diskectomy, which removes a damaged disc, and spinal fusion, which stabilizes the spine.
The table below lists some common conditions that can be treated with this method.
| Medical condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Cervical Spondylosis | Degeneration of the vertebrae in the cervical spine. |
| Herniated Disk | A herniated disc between two vertebrae, causing pressure on the nerves. |
| Scoliosis/Kyphosis | Bending the spine to the side or forward. |
| Spinal Stenosis | The canal through which the spinal cord passes narrows and compresses the nerves. |
| Spinal Tumors | Cancerous or benign tumors that occur in the spine. |
| Vertebral Compression Fractures | Spinal fractures, especially due to conditions such as osteoporosis. |
Who is suitable for this surgery and how to prepare?
This surgery is not for everyone. Your surgeon will determine if this procedure is right for you based on your medical condition, the location of your back problem, and your overall health. Surgery is usually considered if symptoms have not improved with medications and physiotherapy.
Take care of these things before surgery
Your doctor will give you a set of instructions before the surgery, and it is very important to follow them exactly.
- Get the necessary tests: You may be asked to repeat an X-ray, CT, or MRI scan of your spine.
- Quit smoking: If you are a smoker, quitting before surgery will greatly help the healing process.
- Exercise: Keep your body as active as possible. This will strengthen your muscles and help you recover faster after surgery.
- Talk to your doctor about medications: Some medications you are taking may need to be stopped or started before surgery. Do not stop taking any medications without your doctor's advice.
- Eating and drinking the day before surgery: Control your eating and drinking from the night before surgery, as instructed by your doctor.
- Someone to help: Arrange for someone to come and go to the hospital on the day of surgery and to help with household chores for the first few days after surgery.
What happens after the surgery and what are the benefits?
After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area to recover from the anesthesia. If you had general anesthesia, you will feel a little sluggish when you wake up. Depending on the type of surgery, you may be able to go home the same day. Or you may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two.
Most importantly, the pain after surgery using this method is much less than surgery with a large incision, because the damage to the muscles is minimal.
| The main advantages of minimally invasive surgery | |
|---|---|
| ✅ Shorter recovery time | You can quickly return to normal activities. |
| ✅ Less pain | There is less pain after surgery because there is minimal damage to the muscles. |
| ✅ Small scars | Instead of a large scar, only one or a few very small scars remain. |
| ✅ Low risk of infection | The incisions are small, so there is less chance of infection. |
| ✅ Less bleeding | The amount of blood lost from the body during surgery is minimal. |
Are there no dangerous situations?
As with any surgery, there are some risks involved with this procedure, but the likelihood of these occurring is relatively low.
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Pain not completely relieved
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Sometimes the fusion of the spine does not happen properly (Pseudoarthrosis)
Very rarely, when performing this type of surgery, the doctor may need to switch to the old method (open surgery). Your doctor will discuss all of this with you.
Things to consider during recovery
Recovery time varies from person to person. It depends on your age, health, and the type of surgery you had. It can last from a few weeks to a few months.
The most important thing is rest. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous work until your doctor tells you to. You may also be prescribed physiotherapy to help you regain your strength. Don't miss any follow-up appointments your doctor gives you.
| Emergencies that require attention | |
|---|---|
| Call your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms: | |
| 🌡️ | Fever |
| 🩸 | Continuous bleeding from the cut |
| 🤕 | Severe pain or swelling |
| If you have these symptoms, go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately: | |
| 🫁 | Difficulty breathing |
| 🤯 | Severe headache |
Back pain is a lifelong condition. Don't be afraid of the word surgery. With modern technology, surgery is no longer as scary as it used to be. The most important thing is to choose a place with a team of doctors who are experienced in this type of surgery. Never hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have about the surgery and its success.
Take-Home Message
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is a modern method that is less painful, less invasive, and less painful than the old method.
- This method is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
- Although this surgery has many benefits, as with any surgery, there are some risks. Talk openly with your doctor about these.
- Medical advice and rest are essential for a speedy recovery after surgery.
- When seeking treatment for a back problem, it is very important to choose a hospital with an experienced and skilled medical team.
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