Conventional spine surgery requires a long incision and a lengthy recovery period. Minimally invasive surgery, also known as "keyhole" surgery, uses a thin, telescope-like instrument known as an endoscope, which is inserted through small incisions. The endoscope is connected to a tiny video camera - smaller than a dime - which projects an "inside" view of the patient's body onto television screens in the operating room.
Small surgical instruments may then be passed through one or more additional half-inch incisions. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape. After a few months, they are barely visible.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is used in many different situations, including spinal fusion, herniated disks and treating scoliosis. |
