FAQs

Minimally invasive spine surgery boasts smaller incisions, typically ranging from 1/4 to 1 inch, causing minimal impact on surrounding soft tissues and muscles. This approach employs working tubes, an endoscope, and instruments guided along the natural path of muscle fibers. Numerous studies support its benefits, including a shorter stay at the surgery center, lower complication rates, and reduced infection risks compared to the traditional open spine surgeries. The techniques often involve using tools like microscopes, microscopic loupes, endoscopes, and specialized instruments designed for confined spaces.

Conversely, traditional open spine surgery takes a more invasive route. It involves retractors, cutting or moving muscles away from the spine, and exposing the bony structures. This method is associated with increased infection risks, higher blood loss, lengthier recovery times, and typically requires a hospital stay for most patients.

'Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery' is a versatile approach that proves effective for various spinal conditions. In our diagnostic process, our surgeons thoroughly discuss the nuances and benefits of each method to tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

Common conditions treated include:

1. Lumbar and cervical disc herniations
2. Degenerative disc disease
3. Spinal Stenosis
4. Sciatica
5. Spondylolisthesis
6. Spondylosis
7. Facet joint syndrome
8. Spinal fractures
9. Scoliosis

If you have specific concerns or conditions not listed here, please consult with Dr. Gautam Zaveri for a detailed evaluation and customized treatment plan.

The decision to undergo spine surgery is typically based on the patient's level of discomfort and the effectiveness of prior non-surgical treatments. However, when non-surgical interventions fail to provide relief after a reasonable period, opting for surgery is recommended. Immediate spine surgery may be necessary in emergencies, often arising from acute nerve damage. Cases involving spinal instability may require urgent surgical instrumentation and stabilization to prevent further harm to the nerves or spinal cord.

In accordance with spine literature and our clinical observations, the longer patients endure suffering before opting for definitive surgical treatment, the lengthier their recovery tends to be post-surgery. Prolonged suffering can result in significant, and sometimes permanent, nerve damage, which may take months to recuperate. Additionally, individuals experiencing prolonged spine issues may develop muscle weakness, further slowing down the recovery process. While a reasonable duration of non-surgical treatment is advisable, an unwarranted delay in necessary surgery can lead to a gradual and, in some instances, incomplete recovery. This delay often contributes to the reason why some patients do not achieve full recovery post-surgery.

Typically, right after surgery, patients may be advised by surgeons to avoid activities like lifting, bending, or twisting. If your procedure involves stabilizing the spine with instrumentation, these limitations could extend for up to three months post-surgery.

If you have additional queries about spine surgery or non-surgical options, feel free to get in touch with us. 

Your spine is quite active, and even after a discectomy or decompression surgery, the wear and tear on the disc and joints can bring back problems like disc prolapse and spinal canal stenosis. This might mean experiencing symptoms again, and in severe cases, another surgery could be needed. Since the spine has multiple bones, other levels might be affected independently, though it's rare for patients to need a second surgery.

Right after the surgery, you technically can start walking, but it doesn't mean you'll be up and about immediately. Anesthesia can leave you feeling groggy, and your body needs time to recover. We do encourage patients to start walking and moving as soon as possible