How Does Disc Replacement Surgery Work?
Artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure that can replace a damaged or diseased intervertebral disc in your neck or back. But how exactly does it work? Read on to learn more about disc replacement.
Why More People Are Opting for Minimally Invasive Surgery
The thought of spine surgery can be daunting, but if you need surgery, you don’t necessarily need traditional open surgery. Here at Spine Group Beverly Hills, Dr. John Regan specializes in minimally invasive surgery.
In this article, Dr. Regan discusses the types of minimally invasive surgery we offer and the top five reasons more people are opting for minimally invasive spine surgery.
Types of minimally invasive spine surgery
Dr. Regan can perform several different surgeries utilizing minimally invasive techniques and specialized tools. These specialized surgical tools allow Dr. Regan to create small incision sites.
Some of the minimally invasive surgeries we offer at Spine Group Beverly Hills include:
- Thoracic disc surgery
- Discectomy
- Spinal fusion
Herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and vertebral fractures are just a few examples of spinal conditions that can benefit from minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Why more people are opting for minimally invasive surgery
Minimally invasive surgery offers many benefits for individuals who need spine surgery to correct anatomical issues, relieve pain, or improve functionality.
Benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery include:
1. Faster recovery time
When you’re planning to undergo any type of surgery, one of your main concerns is likely how long you’ll need to recover. This plays a big role in how many days you take off from work to how long you can expect to lay low. Your recovery timeline is shaped by:
- How diligently you follow your post-op instructions
- How much pain you experience
- How well your incision site is healing
No matter which type of surgery you have, you’ll have to care for an incision site. Keeping the area clean and dry can help you avoid infection and heal quickly. Small incisions sites are easier to care for, and you can generally expect to heal much faster after minimally invasive surgery as opposed to open surgery. Shorter hospital stays (more common with minimally invasive procedures) and faster recoveries are linked to reduced risk of blood clots and fewer post-op infections.
To recap: Not only does minimally invasive surgery lead to faster incision site healing, but you’ll also be able to return to your normal routines quicker.
2. Less postoperative pain
During surgery, your soft tissues, such as your skin and muscles, can be damaged through incisions, etc. When compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive techniques require much smaller incisions, which means less soft tissue damage. Less soft tissue damage leads to less pain and discomfort after your surgery.
You can manage any postoperative pain by following your post-op instructions carefully, taking any medication as directed, and not over-exerting yourself right after surgery.
3. Reduced blood loss
Smaller incisions contribute to less post-op pain, but small incisions also contribute to less blood during your surgical procedure. Research indicates that minimally invasive spine procedures are linked to a reduced need for blood transfusions during the procedure and reduced need for cell saver transfusions.
4. Reduced risk for scarring
Minimally invasive spine surgery causes less scarring simply because we create smaller incisions. Dr. Regan is skilled in creating incisions small enough that only allow thin tubes, cameras, fiber-optic lights, and other small surgical tools to enter. You can further reduce permanent scarring by taking care of the wound, keeping it clean, and keeping it covered throughout the healing phase.
5. Reduced risk of post-surgery complications
Minimally invasive surgery reduces your risk for many post-surgical complications including infections and readmissions to the hospital. Studies show that minimally invasive surgery was associated with fewer complications in the first 30 post-op days. According to a study published in the Iowa Orthopaedic Journal, minimally invasive spine surgery carries a reduced risk for other complications such as dural injury, wound infections, and screw malposition.
Surgery is not typically the first treatment option for spine problems, but if conservative methods aren’t providing the relief you need, Dr. Regan can discuss your surgical needs with you. To learn more about your minimally invasive spine surgery options, call or schedule an appointment with Dr. Regan at our Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, California office today.
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