Technology and approaches for treating back pain are constantly improving. Laser spine surgery is the least invasive method for treating chronic back pain due to nerve damage or compression caused by a disc that has shifted out of its usual disc space.
This cutting-edge surgery shrinks the disc material that has been compressing the spinal cord and nerves using a laser, or a concentrated heat source.
What can you expect?
When a nerve is compressed, it can cause pain and suffering. Compression might be caused by a herniated disc or a bone spur in the spine. Sciatica, for example, is a disorder in which the sciatic nerve is pinched, causing discomfort in the lower back and leg.
Lasers can be used to assist decompress the nerve and so alleviate pain. This procedure is performed under local anesthetic, which numbs the skin and adjacent muscles of the back. For the surgery, you may be anesthetized.
Percutaneous laser disc decompression is among the most well-studied laser back surgery techniques. A laser is used to eliminate disc tissue which may be producing pain or nerve strain.
PLDD involves inserting a tiny probe carrying a laser into the afflicted disc’s core.
With the use of imaging technologies, this is possible. The laser’s light is then utilized to delicately remove any tissue that is pushing on the nerve.
Pros of the Surgery
- Healing time is shorter, and there is less postoperative pain.
- A brief stay in the hospital
- Anesthesia and exposure to radiation are reduced.
- Scarring is reduced due to smaller cuts.
- Blood loss during surgery is minimized.
- Reduced infection risk.
Benefits of Laser Back Surgery over Conventional Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery was intended to address spine issues without adversely harming adjacent muscles and spinal integrity. It was established as a much more secure and far less invasive option to conventional surgery.
This operation can be performed with regular equipment or laparoscopically, lowering the risks even more. The benefits of this non-laser technique are listed below.
Added benefits – Via a tiny hole, minimally invasive spine surgery employs an instrument to tunnel to the source of the discomfort. Complications are less likely to occur during or after minimally invasive surgical surgery.
Unlike traditional surgical procedures, the approach does not need the cutting or tugging of muscles. As a consequence, the patient will have better cosmetic outcomes, have less blood loss, and have a faster recovery time.
Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc condition, as well as spondylolisthesis are among disorders that can be treated with minimally invasive spinal surgery. This technique must be carried out by the spine surgeons, confirming that the patient under the care of an expert spine surgeon.
Wrapping Up
Ask yourself a few key questions if you’re planning laser spinal surgery.
- Is the practice or institute you’re considering offering laser-related training at nationwide spine meetings?
- Is this information being disseminated to the medical community in order to improve society?
- Is the surgery they’re proposing one that other well-known doctors in the country and world have embraced?
If you respond no to these questions, you should be concerned.