How safe is minimally invasive spine surgery?

The procedure is performed by making an incision that is less than 1-inch, using a muscle-sparing technique. Instead of cutting the muscle to get to the area of concern, Dr. Prada will use a series of dilation tubes, similar to telescope, one overlapping another, until the opening is sufficient for the instruments to be placed inside the tube, allowing for the conditions to be treated. This technique ensures that our patients will lose a minimal amount of blood (approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons) while in surgery and this also permits the healing process to occur over a period of weeks as opposed to months. In addition to healing more quickly there is significantly less chance of scar tissue forming to cause problems to occur down the road during and after your healing process.

Once the surgery is complete, and you are in the recovery room, Dr. Prada will discuss the outcome of the surgery with you and your care partner, and we will provide you with your recovery instructions. Over the next 24 hours, instead of being kept in a hospital bed, you will either rest from home, or a nearby hotel, taking small walks and going out to dinner once your anesthesia wears off. If you are local to our area, and reside within 15 miles of the facility, you will be allowed to recover fully from your own home. For those patients who are traveling for this type of procedure, you will be required to stay in a hotel for a period of 24 hours after your surgery and seen post-operatively before being discharged to safely travel back home for the remainder of your recovery.

Upon your discharge, you will be given a week-by-week guide to help you navigate your activities. We will also be recommending specific exercises that will help you quickly get back to living a normal and healthy lifestyle. For more information on our procedures, the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery and a Free Review of your MRI report, please contact us today.