Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery uses advanced instrumentation and image guidance to avoid unnecessary tissue damage, resulting in less patient pain and quicker recovery. Fellowship-trained minimally invasive spine surgeon Neil Bhamb, MD, always takes a holistic approach to spine care and surgery. Dr. Bhamb specializes in performing endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgeries, including minimally invasive TLIF. Find out how you could benefit from Dr. Bhamb‘s expertise by calling either office in Century City or Marina Del Rey, California. Or request a consultation online at your convenience.

What is the difference between endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery?

In the hands of a compassionate, highly skilled, and experienced spine surgeon, Dr. Bhamb, patients can find relief from chronic neck and back pain through endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery. There are some differences between these surgeries:

Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS)

ESS is an advanced, state-of-the-art form of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) designed to provide patients with faster recovery time and less recurring pain than traditional spine surgery methods.

During this surgery, Dr. Bhamb makes tiny incisions and uses small tools and a camera (endoscope) to view your vertebrae so that he can surgically correct any spine problems. ESS also helps to preserve a standard range of spine mobility post-operatively.

ESS should not be confused with traditional procedures like MISS, micro-invasive, or laser spine surgeries. It may not be appropriate for all spine surgery indications, such as spinal instability, scoliosis, cancer, or trauma. Dr. Bhamb might recommend a traditional open or MISS procedure in these cases.

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS)

To perform MISS, Dr. Bhamb makes a small incision through which he fits a tubular retractor. A retractor is a device that creates a channel into the surgery site by pushing muscles away from the spine to gain access rather than cutting them. 

He then passes specialized instruments through the retractor to perform the surgery. This approach has significant advantages over open surgery for most patients.

What are the advantages of endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery?

Some of the benefits of endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery over traditional open surgery include:

• Reduced blood loss
• Smaller risk of infection
• Lower levels of postoperative pain
• Less noticeable scars

A shorter hospital stay and faster recovery are additional advantages.

What types of endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery are there?

Dr. Bhamb performs endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery in addition to:

Laminectomy

Laminectomy is a solution for neck or back pain caused by spinal column narrowing (spinal stenosis). In this procedure, Dr. Bhamb widens your spinal column and removes any bone spurs that may have formed.

Spine fusion

Spine fusion joins two or more vertebrae to stop the movement between these bones, often the source of pain. Fusion surgery can also treat lumbar instability, spinal injuries, and spondylolisthesis and prevent scoliosis progression.

To learn more about endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery and find out if you’re a good candidate, call Neil Bhamb, MD, to schedule a consultation. Or request one online today.