Microscopic Spine surgery

A few decades ago, spine surgery was a complex procedure which took weeks for proper recovery. However thanks to advancements and innovations in the field of medical science, spine surgery has now been revolutionised to minimally invasive quick healing procedures. Microscopic Spine surgery is one modern medical surgical procedure that is now helping spine surgery patients worldwide.

Microscopic spine surgery is an innovative approach to treating spine conditions that allow for precise, targeted treatment with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.

Microscopic spine surgery at Apollo Hospitals Karnataka

Minimally invasive microscopic surgery is a boon for patients with chronic multi-level disease or patients undergoing revision surgeries. It is a  technique that uses advanced imaging technology and specialized surgical instruments to access the spine through small incisions, reducing postoperative pain and scarring while speeding up recovery time.

At Apollo Hospitals Karnataka, our team of highly skilled and experienced spine surgeons provide world-class care to our patients, utilizing the advanced technology to deliver optimal outcomes. We strive to alleviate pain and improve function for our patients, helping them to regain their quality of life with minimal interruption.

Who needs Microscopic spine surgery?

Microscopic spine surgery may be recommended for patients  who have not responded to non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or chiropractic care or who have the following conditions:

1. Compression fractures in the spine
2. Degenerative disc disease
3. Herniated discs
4. Kyphosis
5. Nerve damage
6. Sciatic nerve pain
7. Scoliosis
8. Spinal stenosis
9. Spinal tumours
10. Spondylolisthesis
11. Spondylosis

Before procedure

Before your surgery is scheduled, here is what you may go through:

1. Evaluations: Patients will go through a thorough evaluation to examine their medical history and other health stats. Doctors at Apollo Hospitals Karnataka will ensure that they perform all the critical physical examinations, imaging tests, and laboratory tests to detect abnormalities that could threaten the safety of the procedure.
2. Consultations: We will schedule consultations before the surgery to discuss surgery goals, risks, and benefits with the patient. This is an ideal time for patients to disclose any other current medical conditions, supplements or medication they are taking or any relevant allergies to medication, anaesthesia, or latex.
3. Medication: Our doctors may also ask the patients to refrain from anti-inflammatory medicines, aspirin, or blood thinners for 1 to 2 weeks prior to surgery.
4. Lifestyle recommendations: Before the surgery, patients will be advised to make some lifestyle changes, including avoiding alcohol and tobacco a few days before the surgery.
5. Preparing for the surgery: To prepare for the surgery, doctors will recommend you not to consume any solids or liquids 8 hours before surgery. Sometimes, a special diet and laxatives may be used to clean out your bowel. It is advised that patients shower with antibacterial soap the night before surgery to lower the risk of infection. They must also arrange for someone to drive them home after surgery. Written consent will be obtained after a detailed explanation of the surgical procedure.

During procedure

Microscopic surgery may take several hours to complete. Here is what happens during the procedure:

1. Patients will be placed face-down on the operating table and will be given anaesthesia.
2. A small incision will be made, and the surgeon will utilise a microscope to magnify the surgical field.
3. The surgeon will use the tools to access the damaged or affected area of the spine, which may involve removing bone or tissue. He may also use screws, rods, or other implants to stabilize the spine or correct deformities. These instruments are used to trim and remove the diseased disc, synovial cyst or bone spurs that may compress the spinal nerve root.
4. After confirming the correction, the microscope, dilators, retractors, and instruments are removed, and the muscles are rejoined. A small adhesive bandage is used over the incision site to complete the procedure.

After procedure

Here is what your post-operative care and recovery will look like after microscopic spine surgery at Apollo Hospitals Karnataka:

1. In the hospital: Once your surgery is completed, you will be transferred to a recovery room where we will closely monitor you for any post-surgical complications, infections, etc.
2. Medications: Our doctors will provide pain medication, antibiotics, and other required medications as you recover in the hospital. Doctors may also recommend the application of cold and heat therapy on the spine area for inflammation and pain.
3. Post-operative diet: Post-surgery, your diet will be gradually increased from clear liquids to solid foods, as your body tolerates. A high-calcium and low-fat diet is recommended to facilitate faster healing and recovery. Consuming a high-fibre diet and staying hydrated by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is also advised to maintain soft stools. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe laxatives or stool softeners to regulate bowel movements.
4. Post-operative care: Following microscopic spine surgery, it is important to follow activity restrictions until the first follow-up visit. These restrictions include avoiding lifting, bending, or twisting your back. Patients should not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds and should refrain from any strenuous activities such as housework, yard work, or sex. Smoking should also be avoided as it inhibits bone growth and delays healing. It is important to adhere to these restrictions to allow for proper healing and recovery. After the first follow-up visit, our doctors will give you further instructions on resuming normal activities.
5. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy will be provided to help strengthen spinal muscles and optimize their function. This may be done after the first-follow up visit. Doctors will also advise the patients to walk to increase endurance.
6. Recovery: In general, patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a day or two after the procedure to allow for close monitoring and pain management. Recovery will look different for every patient. However, it is faster than traditional open surgery. Complete recovery may take a few weeks.

Complications & Risks

Although it is a minimally invasive procedure, microscopic surgery may have a risk of complications like any other medical procedure. Some possible complications may include the following:

1. Anaesthetic/allergic reactions
2. Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis
3. Blood loss
4. Bowel or bladder problems
5. Dural tear
6. Hardware failure
7. Infection
8. Nerve damage
9. Persistent pain
10. Recurrent disc herniation

Who is not eligible?

The following conditions may make someone ineligible for microscopic spine surgery:

1. Abnormal spine anatomy
2. Bleeding disorders
3. Certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and high blood pressure.
4. Ongoing Infections
5. Pregnancy
6. Previous spine surgery
7. Severe obesity

Doctors at Apollo Hospitals Karnataka evaluate and screen each patient carefully to ensure they are eligible for the procedure.

Apollo Hospitals Karnataka offers a minimally invasive, safe and effective treatment option for various spinal disorders. With the latest technological advancements and experienced surgeons, patients can expect excellent outcomes and a faster recovery. Patients can trust in the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional care and improving their quality of life.