Laser spine surgery involves laceration of the spine structures with a laser to reduce nerve compression and discomfort. In comparison to more thorough surgeries, patients who have this minimally invasive spine surgery have less discomfort, less tissue damage, and a faster recovery period.
In this article, Dr Gurneet Sawhney who is one of the top neurosurgeons in Mumbai will discuss everything you should know about laser spine surgery.
LASER SPINE SURGERY
Laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive treatment in which the neurosurgeon accesses the spine’s components through a small incision. This method causes less scarring and harm to adjacent structures than open back surgery, which needs major incisions in the back to reach the spine. Laser spine surgery differs from other minimally invasive treatments in that it uses a laser beam to cut instead of standard surgical equipment. The initial incision, on the other hand, is made with a standard surgical scalpel.
Light amplification through stimulated emission of radiation is referred to as laser. The concentrated light beam generates a lot of heat energy, which slices through soft tissues. It’s most commonly used for discectomy, which is a surgical technique that involves removing a portion of a herniated or bulging disc that’s pressing against the nerve roots, causing a compressed nerve root. Sciatica is the pain that results as a result of this. Compression of the nerve roots is linked to illnesses such as spinal stenosis and malignancies of the spinal cord. It is the most preferred spine surgery procedure in Mumbai, India.
GETTING THE PROCEDURE STARTED
To determine the location of the nerve root compression and the underlying cause, the neurosurgeon will order imaging tests (x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) of the spine. Nerve ablation, which comprises burning and eliminating the nerve fibers that provide chronic pain signals to the brain, is another application of laser spine surgery.
In the days and hours coming up to surgery, patients will be given instructions on what to do. To guarantee good healing and a smooth recovery, patients will be urged to stay physically active, eat a balanced diet, and stop smoking prior to the surgical surgery. They must also avoid taking any medications that could cause excessive bleeding or interfere with the anesthetic used during the treatment. For their own safety, patients must inform their doctors about all medications and supplements they are taking. Laser spine surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, so patients must arrange for transportation home.
The medical team will insert an IV to deliver fluids and drugs during the treatment. After the anesthetic wears off, the doctor will disinfect the skin around the spine and make a small incision to reach the troublesome nerve roots. The surgeon will introduce a small laser into the incision after locating the afflicted disc to cut through the disc that is causing the compression. They will close the incision region after removing the sliced disc. Patients will be closely watched and will be able to go as soon as the anaesthetic wears off.
LASER SPINE SURGERY’S BENEFITS
Drilling into the bone is not used in the disc repair technique because it can weaken and destabilize the spine, leading to complications that may necessitate a more invasive operation. There’s also no need to go through the stomach to get to the rear. In general, the procedure has no negative effects on the spine’s stability. The endoscopic procedure frequently entails the meticulous separation of spine tissues, all of which is accomplished through a small back incision.
The operation is beneficial to the recovery process. Rather than removing the damaged disc and fixing screws and rods to the spine, the surgeon will arrange circumstances for the disc to heal on its own during the treatment. The body will recover on its own after greatly vaporizing the herniation. The discomfort in the spine, as well as the neurological problems brought on by compressed nerve roots, will be reduced. The disc’s function will return to normal as the body heals.
The technique is successful in reducing pain. Two popular spine surgeries for relieving pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs or arms are microdiscectomy and laminectomy. They are not intended to treat symptoms such as back or neck pain. Pain in the arms and legs can be reduced with laser spine surgery. This is the distinguishing feature that makes it a recommended form of disc pain treatment.
EXPECTATIONS
A crushed nerve can be painful and inconvenient. A bone spur or ruptured disc in the spine can cause this compression. Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve becomes compressed, causing discomfort in the lower back and leg. To ease pain, the surgeon can utilize lasers to release pressure on the nerves. Patients will not experience any back discomfort as a result of the procedure because local anesthetic is used. Sedation is another option.
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