Laser spine surgery is a type of back surgery. There is a difference between laser spine surgery and other forms like minimally invasive spine surgery, and traditional back surgery. Charak Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in the healthcare sector. The hospital serves you with favorable conditions that help you with quick recovery. It is confined with all the necessary equipment and procedural items that may bring peace and strength to your wounded body. The hospital gives you peace of mind where you are given the responsibility of cooperating with the doctors. Moreover, the doctors also lead you to a stress-free life making you healthy like before.
Herein, we have brought you information regarding laser spine surgery and how effective it is for you. Let us start reading:
How is laser spine surgery different from others?
There are a few types of back surgery. These include traditional and open approaches, minimally invasive spine surgery, and laser back surgery. Below, we describe to you the technique of the different surgeries:
- Traditional Back Surgery
In this type of surgery, the surgeons make a long incision in the back. They move the muscles, and other tissues of the spine in such a way that it helps to have easy access to the spine. The recovery may take longer. There can also be chances of tissue damage.
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- MISS Surgery
It utilizes a smaller incision than the traditional one. There is a special tool called a tubular retractor. It is used to create a small tunnel to access the surgical site. During the surgery, various specialized tools can be placed in the tunnel formed. It is less painful. The recovery in this case is faster.
- Laser Surgery
During laser spine surgery, the portion of the tissue that is creating problems for the patient is removed or adjusted using a laser. Herein, the tissues around the spine or nerves of the cord are treated. Unlike the other back surgery, this type of surgery is appropriate for only certain conditions. For example, it can be performed for nerve compression when it is causing excess pain.
Laser spine surgery is relatively rare. However, there are many more benefits of this kind of surgery than other methods.
Effectiveness of Laser Spine Surgery
When the nerve gets under pressure, it can lead to pain and discomfort in the back. In the spine, the parts of the spine like herniated discs or a bone spur can cause compression. Sciatica is the example that suits this condition. When sciatic nerves become pinched, it can lead to lower back pain and leg pain.
- Lasers help to decompress the spine or the nerve. It aims at relieving pain from the spine. The operation happens in the presence of local anesthesia. This means that the skin and the surrounding muscles of your spine will be numbed using anesthesia. You may feel sedated at the time of operation.
- One more example of laser spine surgery is percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD). This procedure utilizes a laser that involves the removal of disc tissue causing compression and pain in the spine.
- During the operation of PLDD, a small probe containing a laser is passed into the core of the affected area. It is then overseen by the use of imaging technology. The laser is carefully used to remove tissues that may press the nerve area.
What are the benefits of Laser Spine Surgery?
Laser spine surgery is less invasive than traditional back surgery. Additionally, it can be performed in an outpatient setting. It utilizes local anesthesia and in many ways, it is similar to MISS.
In comparison to other methods, there is limited information on laser spine surgery. In a study where PLDD is compared to another approach called microdiscectomy, the procedure is quite similar over the two years of the recovery period.
It should be taken care that PLDD includes additional follow-up surgery. After receiving the normal outcomes of PLDD, the surgeries are performed.
Drawbacks of the laser spine surgery
If you are going through degenerative surgery, laser spine surgery is not surely for you. In such a case, complications may occur which will require a more traditional approach. One of the major drawbacks of laser spine surgery is that you may require additional surgeries. In a study, it has been found that microdiscectomy requires a lower number of reoperations than PLDD.
What are the side effects of laser surgery?
Every medical procedure has its potential side effects and complications. This is the same for laser spine surgery. One of the potential complications with laser spine surgery is the damage to surrounding tissues. Before the laser is used, heat damage can cause complications with the nerves, bones, and cartilages.
Another complication is the spreading of infection. This can occur during the placement of the probe. There can be chances that proper sanitation and hygiene are not followed during the process. This can lead to infection. In some cases, you may be provided with a special type of antibiotic called prophylactic antibiotics. This may help you prevent infections and other relatable side effects.
What is the recovery time for laser spine surgery?
Recovery time for laser spine surgery may vary from individual to individual. Some people may be able to return to their normal activities more quickly while some others may require more recovery time.
How does it come out to be in comparison to other types of surgery?
In comparison to traditional back surgery, the surgery requires a longer stay in the hospital. According to a study, people undergoing traditional spine surgery may take 8 to 12 weeks in recovery.
In contrast, MISS is performed as outpatient meaning that you can go home immediately after the surgery. In general, people who underwent MISS may return to their normal activities within six weeks.
You may think that this surgery may require less time to recover. In actuality, there is very little information available on laser surgery. It depends on how you compare the recovery time and the limits with other surgeries. In a study, it is found that microdiscectomy surgery takes less time in recovery than PLDD.
The Takeaway
Credihealth is an associate partner of Charak Hospital. Credihealth provides you with a timely discount on its services. It offers the facilities like ordering medicines, assistance for a medical loan, home care services, video or teleconsultation with doctors, etc.
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