1.
TUBULAR RETRACTORS - A MINIMALLY
INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY APPROACH
Dr. Michael Thomas, Neurosurgeon

2.
INTRODUCTION
 Dr. Michael Thomas is an Orlando, Florida-based neurosurgeon
who maintains a private practice and possesses extensive
knowledge of cerebrovascular and brain tumor surgery. As a
neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Thomas emphasizes a minimally
invasive approach to spine surgery. This methodology offers
patients faster recovery time and shorter surgery than traditional
approaches.
With the spinal discs, vertebrae, and nerves housed deep within
the body, any surgical procedure involving the spinal area
requires moving some muscle tissue. The minimally invasive
approach to this procedure combines minute incisions with the
use of tiny video cameras, which are guided through the incisions
and allow accurate visualization.

3.
TUBULAR RETRACTORS
 One such minimally invasive approach involves
use of a tubular retractor. This soft tissue
dilation technique obviates the necessity for
cutting the muscles directly. The tubes prevent
muscles from getting in the way and allow work
to proceed through the incision without
unnecessarily damaging tissue. The tubular
retractor is removed once the surgery is
complete, which enables dilated tissues to
return to its original position. Other minimally
invasive spine techniques include discectomy
and spinal decompression.