How does walking out of an operating room pain free, with just a small bandage sound? Something out of a science fiction novel? Think again! It may sound too good to be true but its not, spinal laser surgery in Atlanta is a new cutting edge procedure that is changing the lives of those who suffer from chronic back pain!
Benefits of Laser Surgery
If back surgery is in your future, just know minimally invasive may be a good fit but it may not depending on the extent of surgery you may need. Laser surgery has many benefits but it is not a miracle cure. When in need of surgery there are many different options from traditional, minimally invasive and laser spine surgery so it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what is best for you.
How does laser surgery compare with other methods?
Laser spine surgery is best suited for some patients with certain conditions but not suited for those with degenerative conditions. A traditional approach is more open and the surgeon creates a larger incision through the skin and muscle and the surgeon works to dissect the muscle away from the spine to get to the spine. The benefit to this approach is that there is a larger picture for the surgeon to see but the disadvantage is that more tissue is exposed and the potential for damage to other areas is higher as well as longer hospital stays.
With the minimally invasive approach instead of a larger incision a smaller inscon is used as well as smaller tools. With the smaller incisions, the surrounding soft tissues aren’t as exposed which creates less harm to those areas so less pain occurs as well. The recovery time is shorter with this approach due to the smaller incision and patients find themselves getting back to their lives faster than those who had a traditional surgery.
Laser surgery is used when portions of soft tissue compress nerves, such as a ligament enlargement or herniated disc. Keep in mind though, laser surgery is only suited for certain conditions. Laser surgery can be used to help remove a tumor from the spinal cord or even shrinking a disc material around a nerve.
What to ask
Always do your research beforehand and show up prepared at your appointments with questions that can help you make sure you and your surgeon are on the same page. Questions you should ask include:
- What does the operation entail?
- Will a laser likely be used?
- Will fusion be involved?
- Would a minimally invasive or traditional approach be better, and why?
- What alternative options are available?
- What will the surgery treat (back or leg pain, or both)?
- What are potential complications and complication rates?
- How experienced is the surgeon? Has the surgeon been trained formally (i.e. fellowship) in spine surgery and/or minimally invasive surgery?
- Does the surgeon do both traditional “open” procedures and minimally invasive surgery? This is ideal.
What should you consider for the best results?
If your back condition is complicated, chances are, your surgery may be more complicated and may result in a more traditional approach to ensure the best outcome.
Even with technology advancing every day, there is no cure all for back pain although there are some extremely effective procedures that can give you the results you are looking for. Every case is different and our Atlanta Orthopedics team will work with you to provide you with the most effective and advanced procedures that we have available. Spinal conditions are serious and we pride ourselves and finding you the relief you deserve so you can get back to living your best life. If you are in need of back surgery or suffer from chronic back pain, contact our team today for a consultation at (404) 855-2141.
