Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion: Surgery, Recovery, Benefits and Risk

Are you looking to undergo spinal fusion surgery? But, worried about the long hours and recovery? Then you should consider a minimally invasive spinal fusion. The traditional route for spinal fusion involves exposing the entire anatomy during the operation. This can take a whopping 6 hours! Pretty time-consuming for both the doctor and the patient. But, with a minimally invasive approach, the spine surgeon can achieve the same objective within 2-3 hours.

If you are contemplating a minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery, then you need to know the following things first:

What is a Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion surgery is used to fuse two or more bones of the spine permanently. Our backbone, or the vertebral column, is made up of small bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other and separated by intervertebral discs. This entire structure encloses the spinal cord and protects it. When certain medical conditions cause your vertebra to rub against each other, it can lead to pain and discomfort.

With spinal fusion, this defect can be corrected. A minimally invasive spinal fusion just uses a smaller incision to access the spine and doesnâ€™t cut your spinal muscles.

The spine surgeon removes the intervertebral disc and fills the vacant space with bone graft material. As this graft matures, the vertebrae will fuse. This prevents painful movements and returns stability to your spine. Due to the technically complex nature of this surgery, you should ensure that the hospital has all the modern facilities to allow this surgery to be performed successfully.

When Do I Need a Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion?

If you are suffering from extreme back pain, then your doctor may recommend a spinal fusion to you. However, this approach is advised only when other treatment methods like physical therapy and medications have failed to show a significant impact.

You might be advised to go for this procedure if you are suffering from any of the following conditions:

Degenerative disc disease
Scoliosis
Spinal stenosis
Fracture or break in the spinal cord
Infection or tumor in the spinal column
Spondylolisthesis

What will happen in a Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion?

Preparation for the surgery

Share the details of your health history and the medications you take. This is essential as some medications may interact with the anesthetics and other medicines given to you.
You should also avoid smoking
The healthcare team will conduct tests, such as an MRI or X-rays, to check your spine. Your doctor may also give you antibiotics before the procedure to protect you from infections.

The Surgery

The minimally invasive spinal fusion can be broken down into the following steps:

You will be given general anesthesia and your vital signs will be monitored.
Your surgeon may use an endoscope or a fluoroscope to help determine the site of incisions.
The surgeon will make a small incision(around half an inch), usually on your back or side.
The instruments for surgery will then be inserted through thin, hollow tubes called retractors. These tubular retractors help to hold the muscles away from the site of surgery. Once these retractors are removed, the muscles will return to their previous position.
After removing the intervertebral disc between the affected vertebrae, the vacant space will be filled with a bone graft. Other repairs can also be made if needed.
Then the incision will be closed surgically.

After the Surgery

You may feel that your symptoms have vanished or have been reduced significantly after the surgery. It is possible to experience pain, but this can be relieved by taking medicines as advised by your doctor. The healthcare team may also conduct different imaging tests to see if the surgery was successful.

You need to take care of your health by eating properly after the surgery. The healthcare team will also teach you how to move properly to keep your spine in alignment.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Over Open Spinal Fusion Surgery

Less soft tissue and muscle damage
Reduced the requirement of anesthesia
Less pain after the operation
Less risk of infection
Shorter stay in the hospital for a few days as opposed to a week in the case of open surgery
Shorter recovery time of about a few months as compared to a week in an open procedure.

Risks posed by a Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion

Though it is a minimally invasive procedure, it is still a major surgery and can have certain complications:

Possible injury to the spinal cord or nerves
Damage to the neighbouring tissue
Pain because of the surgery
Spinal fluid leak

Spinal Fusion in Different Countries	Starting Cost in USD
Spinal Fusion Surgery in India	$5000
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Turkey	$15000
Spinal Fusion Surgery in UAE	$16000
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Spain	$61500
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Israel	Enquire Now
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Thailand	$18000
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Singapore	$20400
Spinal Fusion Surgery in UK	$20000
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Saudi Arabia	Enquire Now
Spinal Fusion Surgery in South Africa	Enquire Now
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Greece	$14205
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Lebanon	Enquire Now
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Lithuania	Enquire Now
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Poland	$8500
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Switzerland	Enquire Now
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Tunisia	$8000
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Czechia	Enquire Now
Spinal Fusion Surgery in Malaysia	Enquire Now
Spinal Fusion Surgery in South Korea	$15400

Conclusion

Opting for a minimally invasive spinal fusion may offer you faster recovery and less pain. But, it is not a suitable choice for everyone. By discussing with your doctor the risks and benefits this procedure can offer, you can make a wise decision for your health. Getting this treatment will help you to align your spine and feel fine!

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