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Conventional vs. Laser Back Surgery
It was not that long ago that back surgery was performed through conventional medical procedures. The recovery from this procedure was an extended period of time and in fact depending on the overall health of the patient, it could take many months before returning to normal day to day activities. In addition to the extended recovery period, there were lengthy hospital stays after back surgery. The risks for conventional back surgery were much greater versus those of laser back surgery.
With medical technology evolving every day, minimally invasive spine surgery has provided patients suffering from back conditions with a new and greater sense of hope. In fact, laser spine surgery is ever evolving and the number of physicians performing these procedures is on the rise.
The benefits and risks of laser back surgery far outweigh those of conventional or conservative back surgery. Most notably is the recovery period as well as the majority of patients who are not required to stay in the hospital. For those patients who do stay in the hospital after having minimally invasive spine surgery, the stay is most often for a couple of days at most.
The scar that a patient is left with after having had conventional back surgery is quite large. On the contrary, patients who elect to have laser back surgery do not have one large scar, but rather they will have considerably smaller scars, in fact they are much smaller in comparison to that of the conventional procedure.
Another benefit for patients having laser spine surgery is the use of local anesthetic rather than a general anesthetic. There is risk for patients using a general anesthetic.
Understanding Laser Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery is performed through small incisions. These are typically half inch incisions and the purpose of these incisions are to allow small surgical instruments to pass through. The essence of laser spine surgery is using a telescopic type instrument that connects to a video camera. This allows the surgeon and nurses to see the internal view of the patient on a series of monitors.
Common Laser Spine Procedures
There are a number of minimally invasive spinal surgeries that are used to treat various conditions of the back. The most common procedure that is frequently performed is to treat or repair herniated or ruptured discs. Another common procedure performed is a spinal fusion and third most common is for abnormalities.
Laser Spine Surgery Recovery
For patients who have minimally invasive spine surgery, most experience a feeling of relief immediately following the procedure.
Most patients are walking within hours of the procedure and the rehabilitation begins with designing an exercise program that incorporates both strengthening and flexibility of muscles. Goals are determined by the overall health of the patient.
Is Laser Spine Surgery the Right Choice
Before deciding on the procedure and treatment that is best for you, it is important to meet with your doctor to determining the condition you are suffering from, to discuss your medical history, the level of pain you are experiencing, how it has affected your life and to discuss your normal daily activities including work, leisure and sports. Once your doctor has diagnosed your condition, you can then discuss the alternatives available to you. You may wish to seek a second opinion and be sure to have a list of questions prepare to discuss with each doctor so you are informed and in a better position to make the choice that is right for you.