2. Laser spine procedures generally treat nerve irritation and/or
compression caused by common degenerative conditions of the
neck and back. Over time, the anatomical components of the
spine begin to deteriorate, which could result in structural
abnormalities that put pressure on spinal joints, a spinal nerve
root, or the spinal cord. Common symptoms that laser spine
surgeries aim to mitigate include pain, tingling, numbness, and
muscle weakness in the back, neck, and/or extremities.
Some of the most common degenerative spine conditions that
are often treated with laser spine surgery are herniated discs,
bulging discs, bone spurs, spondylolisthesis, foraminal stenosis,
and canal stenosis.
3. Types of Laser Spine Procedures
There are a variety of laser spine procedures available, and the surgical approach that is best for
you will depend on your general level of health and your condition. Not all patients who suffer
from one or more of the above conditions will be candidates for minimally invasive laser spine
surgery. The following procedures are examples of those that can be performed under the laser
spine surgery umbrella:
• Facet thermal ablation – a heat source (laser) is used to desensitize the local nerve that
innervates a spinal joint; usually recommended for patients with spinal osteoarthritis
• Percutaneous discectomy – removes disc material so that the disc is no longer pressing on a
spinal nerve root or spinal cord; recommended for patients with herniated discs or bulging
discs
• Foraminotomy – widens the passageway on one side of a vertebra so that a spinal nerve
root can pass unimpeded; usually recommended for patients with foraminal stenosis
• Laminotomy – widens the spinal canal by removing a portion of the lamina; recommended
for patients with central canal stenosis
• Minimally invasive stabilization – bone graft implants used to replace a damaged disc and
facilitate fusion of the adjacent vertebrae; recommended only in rare cases of severe disc
degeneration
4. The Drawbacks of Open Spine Surgery
In the past, the only surgical option for patients suffering from
common degenerative spine conditions was an open spine surgery.
This type of surgery involves a large incision and dissection of muscles
and other soft tissues so that the surgeon can gain full access to the
affected region of the spine. A significant portion of the spinal
anatomy is usually removed, which may then require the implantation
of a bone graft and hardware to stabilize the spine. The highly invasive
nature of this surgery brings an increased chance of complications
such as nerve damage, excessive blood loss, infection, and failed back
surgery syndrome (FBSS), when compared to less invasive endoscopic
procedures. Today, endoscopic technology makes it possible for laser
spine procedures to provide certain patients with an alternative to
open spine surgery.
5. The Benefits of Laser Spine Surgery
Endoscopic laser spine
procedures offer a
variety of benefits over
open spine surgeries,
including:
• No hospitalization
• A small incision
• No dissection of muscles or ligaments
• Less risk of infection and blood loss
• A fast recovery period
6. Choosing a Surgeon Who Performs
Laser Spine Procedures
If you have attempted a wide range of conservative (nonsurgical) treatments
over the course of several weeks or months and have still not seen any
improvement in your symptoms, spine surgery may become an option for
you. Be sure to talk to several different spine specialists about whether they
feel an endoscopic surgery or an open spine surgery would offer you the best
chance for pain relief and improved quality of life.
As you evaluate surgeons, make sure you gather as much information as
possible about their experience. Ask how long the surgeon has been
performing laser spine procedures or open spine procedures and what the
statistics are for favorable patient outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.
You may also want to ask each surgeon for lists of credentials and patient
references. Taking a tour of various surgical facilities is also a good way to get
a feel for the environment in which you will be having your procedure.
