Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

MISS is the latest advanced technology available to perform spinal surgeries through small, less than one inch long, incisions. It involves the use of special surgical instruments, devices and advanced imaging techniques to visualize and perform the surgery through such small incisions. MISS is aimed at minimizing damage to the muscles and surrounding structures. MISS possesses numerous benefits over the traditional spine surgery that includes:

  • Small surgery scars
  • Reduced risk of infections
  • Less blood loss during the surgery
  • Less post-operative pain
  • Quicker recovery
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Quicker return to work and normal activities

With advances in technology, a number of spine surgeries can be performed through a minimally invasive approach including anterior cervical disectomy and fusion (ACDF), kyphoplasty, intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDET), posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion, anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF),posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF), transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF), axial lumbar interbody fusion(AxiaLIF) and direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion (DLIF).

How are patients selected for MISS?

Minimally invasive surgery is suitable only for selected patients. Thus, before the surgery, the patient’s medical history and various diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or other imaging tests, are used to ascertain the underlying spinal conditions causing pain and other associated symptoms. The current health status of the patient is also evaluated through blood tests and other specialized tests, for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis. The decision of performing the surgery through a minimally invasive approach is decided by the surgeon based on his experience and the benefits to the patient as compared to the traditional open spine surgery.

The surgeon explains the surgery and its benefits along with the possible risks to the patient.

What are the associated risk and complications?

The risks and complications of the surgery may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or spinal cord injury. Complications due to general anaesthesia may also occur.

How is minimally invasive surgery performed?

Minimally invasive spine surgery is done through small incisions. Segmental tubular retractors and dilators are then inserted through these small incisions to retract muscles and provide access to the spine by creating a working channel for the surgery. This minimizes the damage to the muscles and soft tissues and decreases the blood loss during the surgery. An endoscope is inserted through one of the incisions to provide images of the operation field, on the monitor in the operation room. The surgery is done with special surgical instruments passed through the working channel. Sometimes surgical microscopes may also be used to magnify the visual field. The tissues fall back in place, as the various instruments are withdrawn. The incision is then closed and dressed.

Contact your surgeon for any unanswered queries on minimally invasive spine surgery.

  • Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital

    NHS

    Ashford and St Peter’s
    Hospital
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Guildford Road, Cherstey,
    Surrey, KY16 0PZ.
    Ph: 01932 722 730
  • The BMI Runnymede Hospital

    Private

    The BMI
    Runnymede Hospital
    Guildford Road,
    Ottershaw, CHERTSEY,
    KT16 0RQ.
    Ph: 01932 877800
  • Spire St Anthony’s Hospital

    Private

    Spire St Anthony’s
    Hospital
    801 London Road,
    NORTH CHEAM,
    SM3 9DW.
    Ph: 020 8337 6691
  • Nuffield Health Woking Hospital

    Private

    Nuffield Health
    Woking Hospital
    Shores Road,
    WOKING,
    GU21 4BY.
    Ph: 01483 331257
  • Ramsay Health Ashtead Hospital

    Private

    Ramsay Health
    Ashtead Hospital
    The Warren,
    Ashtead, Surrey.
    KT21 2SB.
    Ph: 01372 221400