What is Laser Spine Surgery?

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Laser Spine Surgery is a Minimally Invasive technique that utilizes a Holmium laser that is inserted through a series of tubes. A small “keyhole” incision is made at the area of the operation where the laser and other surgical tools enter the body. For many conditions, such as a pinched nerve, the laser may be used to burn off or deaden the nerve(s) causing pain.

Laser spine surgery is relatively new and the first procedures were performed in the early 1980s in India and later that same decade in Japan. The laser did not make its way to the United States into spine surgery until the 1990s and has since become a popular replacement phrase for all minimally invasive spine surgery. The fact is that the laser is only used in certain procedures, mostly dealing with nerves.

Laser Spine Surgery and Spinal Stenosis

Laser spine surgery may be a possibility for spinal stenosis surgery. The following factors should be determined by your physician before any type of surgery is decided:

• The cause of Spinal Stenosis
• Specific symptoms involved
• A Physical exam
• Radiologists interpretation of MRI and XRAYs
• Prior treatments for condition

The age and physical condition of an individual should also be considered when determining if surgery is the right option.
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Laser Spine Surgery Advantages

Because Laser spine surgery is minimally invasive it has the same advantages as other minimally invasive procedures:

• Shorter recovery times
• Less anethesia is used
• Minimal scarring
• Reduced post-operative pain

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