Laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive spine surgery that involves making small incisions less than an inch long to access structures of the spinal column. In comparison to open-back surgery, which involves making a large incision down the back to access the spine, minimally invasive procedures cause less scarring and damage to surrounding structures, as well as less pain and a shorter recovery time.
Purpose of Laser Spine Surgery
Laser spine surgery is used to remove structures in the spine that are causing nerve root compression. The following conditions are associated with nerve root compression: spinal stenosis, bulging or herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal cord tumors.
To confirm any of these conditions, your healthcare provider will order imaging tests of your spine, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to obtain a clear image of where the nerve root compression is occurring and what the underlying cause is.
Laser spine surgery can also be used for nerve ablation, which involves the laser burning and destroying nerve fibers that send chronic pain signals to the brain.
How to Prepare
Certain medications may need to be discontinued to avoid excessive bleeding or anesthesia interaction during the procedure. For your safety, always consult with your healthcare provider about all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are taking.
You will not be permitted to drive to or from the hospital before or after your surgery, so make arrangements for transportation from a friend or family member.
Minimizing stress and prioritizing good mental and emotional health is also important for lowering inflammation levels in the body and aiding in recovery.
What to Expect
Before the Surgery
You will be led to a pre-operative room and asked to change into a gown. The surgical team will perform a brief physical examination on you and ask you questions about your medical history.
A nurse will insert an IV into your arm or hand to administer fluids and medications. The surgical team will transport you in and out of the operating room using the hospital bed.
The surgical team will help you onto the operating table and administer anesthesia medication. You may be given general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep during the procedure, or regional anesthesia, which will be injected into the spine and numb the affected area, allowing you to feel nothing during the procedure.
During the Surgery
To access the problematic nerve roots, your surgeon will make a small incision less than one inch long along your spine with a scalpel. To view your spine from the inside, an endoscope, a surgical tool with a camera, will be inserted through the incision.
Once the problematic disc area has been identified, a small laser will be inserted into the incision site and used to cut through the disc area causing the compression. The incision site will be sutured closed after the cut disc portion is removed.
After the Surgery
Following your laser spine surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where your vital signs will be monitored as the anesthesia wears off. Once stabilized, you should be able to go home one or two hours after the operation. Your surgeon will determine when you will be able to drive safely again.
Recovery
You can usually return to work after a discectomy within a few days to a few weeks, though it may take up to three months to return to normal activities. The time it takes to recover for a sedentary job can be as little as two to four weeks or as much as eight to twelve weeks for more physically demanding jobs that require heavy lifting.
Several restrictions will most likely be in place for the first two weeks of recovery to aid in the healing of the spine until it becomes more stable.
To aid in your recovery, your healthcare provider may refer you to physical therapy. Physical therapy usually begins with two to three sessions per week for four to six weeks. Your physical therapist will communicate and coordinate care with your practitioner, determining whether you require additional visits once the initial frequency is nearing completion.
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