Minimally invasive spine surgery [MISS]

A Minimally invasive spine surgery involves tiny incisions, reduced blood loss, less post-operative pain and speedy recovery.

Endoscope a thin telescope-like instrument, which is inserted through a tube through a small incision. A tiny video camera and light are connected to the endoscope and send images to a screen in the operating room. Special surgical instruments are inserted through these tubes and used to perform the surgical procedure.

Microscopic surgery makes use of similar tubes for access but is performed under direct vision under high magnification.

MISS generally results in the same surgical outcome as with more traditional open techniques. But there are many reasons why MISS is the way to go!!

Pitfalls of Open spinal surgery [OSS]

Longer Operative time
Significant postoperative pain.
Relatively more blood loss,
A large scar
Prolonged hospital stay
Longer antibiotic coverage
Relatively lengthy recovery times.

Advantages of Minimally invasive spine surgery

Reduced operative time.
Less soft tissue damage and less post-operative pain
Reduced blood loss
Small scar/scars
Faster recovery
Shortened hospital stay
Less usage of antibiotics
Faster Recovery & Rehabilitation
Very short “Back to Work” Period

Types of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries

Cervical spine

  • Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
  • C1-C2 trans-articular fusion
  • Posterior cervical foraminotomy and discectomy
  • Cervical lateral mass fixation
  • Dorsal Spine
  • Pedicle screw fixations for trauma
  • MIS vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for osteoporotic fractures

Lumbar Spine

  • Micro-lumbar Discectomy
  • Micro-laminectomy and foraminotomy
  • MIS trans-foraminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
  • Endoscopic discectomy
  • Selective root block procedures
  • Spinal infections
  • Small Spinal tumours

Open Spine surgery

It’s important to note that not all spine conditions can be treated using minimally invasive approaches. Open, traditional surgery will be required in the following scenarios.

  • Large Spinal tumours
  • Scoliosis surgery
  • Congenital spinal diseases
  • Multi-segmental degenerative diseases
  • Cervical Spine Corpectomy and fusion etc.