Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Who Is a Candidate for MISS?

The candidacy for minimally invasive spine surgery depends on several factors, including the specific condition being treated, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s expertise. Generally, the following individuals may be considered candidates for minimally invasive spine surgery:

• Patients with specific spinal conditions: Individuals with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, or certain spinal deformities may be candidates for minimally invasive spine surgery. However, the suitability of the procedure depends on the severity and location of the condition.
• Patients who have exhausted nonsurgical treatments: Minimally invasive spine surgery is often considered after nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections have failed to provide adequate relief.
• Patients with stable medical conditions: Candidates for minimally invasive spine surgery should generally have stable medical conditions, such as well-controlled diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. However, each case is evaluated individually, and the surgeon will consider the patient’s overall health status.
• Patients without extensive prior surgeries: Patients who have not undergone extensive spinal surgeries in the past may be better suited for minimally invasive procedures. Previous surgeries can create scar tissue and other complexities that may affect the feasibility of minimally invasive techniques.
• Patients without contraindications: Certain conditions, such as severe obesity, active infections, or bleeding disorders, may be contraindications for minimally invasive spine surgery. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s medical history and perform preoperative assessments to ensure their suitability for the procedure.

It’s important to note that a qualified spine surgeon makes the decision to perform minimally invasive spine surgery on an individual basis after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s specific condition and medical history.

What Should I Expect After MISS?

The recovery time with minimally invasive spine surgery is significantly shorter than traditional open surgery. Depending on your general physical health and MISS procedure, full recovery can be two to six months. Post-operative pain should be controlled with medication so that you can go home the same day or the next day.

Here is a general list of dos and don’ts after surgery to facilitate an optimal recovery:

• Avoid certain physical activities: Avoid activities that can injure your back or incision site. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on what physical activities are allowed during recovery.
• Follow proper cleaning instructions: Follow surgeon-given instructions for cleaning and maintaining your bandage and incision. If you experience more swelling and pain than usual, excessive pus at the site or a fever, call your doctor for instructions.
• Only use prescribed doses of pain medications: If medication is not controlling your pain, talk to your doctor before changing the prescribed medicine. Some medications can be habit-forming and should be taken only as prescribed.
• Start exercising when your surgeon clears you: A body in motion — walking, running and other exercise — strengthens muscles, reduces pain, improves blood flow and speeds up recovery time.
• Get back to regular routines slowly and carefully: There should be no rush in getting back into your routine. Know your body and how it responds to pain. When getting back in shape, some pain is to be expected.

What Signs Should I Look for to Call My Surgeon or 911 Immediately?

Recovering from back spine surgery is never an easy process. Patients should expect mild to moderate discomfort and physical limitations during recovery while their body heals.

One should be prepared to know the difference between normal discomfort after back surgery and when something is wrong.

The following signs might warrant a call to your spine surgeon’s office. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms following surgery.

• You have persistent tingling and numbness.
• You experience loss of bladder or bowel control — not common after back surgery. However, if you experience these symptoms, please call your surgeon’s office immediately.
• The fluid leaking from your incision is more than the usual small amount. Severe redness and swelling could be an infection.
• A fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is present.
• The pain is worsening instead of getting better.