Minimally Invasive Surgery

About Minimally Invasive Surgery | Benefits | Minimal Access Spinal Technologies | BMP | Download Brochure

Several weeks of recovery may be required for traditional “open” spine surgery as it may involve a three-inch long incision, in which muscles and tissues are separated for optimal access to the injury site. The surgery usually results in trauma to surrounding tissues and some blood loss. Because of this the affected tissues and muscles need adequate healing time.

Spine surgery then home, same day

SpineNevada uses state of the art minimally invasive techniques and instrumentation to help patients recover in a shorter period of time and allow for a quicker return home. Innovative developments in minimally invasive techniques have pioneered better ways for the surgeon to access the spine, moreover making the recovery process more seamless.

In minimally invasive spine surgery, a smaller incision is made, sometimes only a half-inch in length. The surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through these tiny incisions to access the damaged disc in the spine. Entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae is achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues when using minimally invasive techniques.

Minimally invasive spine surgery requires extensive training and experience to master use of the tools, but there is tremendous benefit for the patient. "The incision is shorter, which means you aren’t cutting through as much muscle and tissue to get access to the damaged area of the spine,” explains Dr. Lynch.

Benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery include:

• Smaller incision and smaller scar
• Less damage to tissues and muscles
• Less blood loss
• Less post-operative pain
• Less painful recovery
• Quicker return to activity

Unlike many other spine care providers, the spine patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery at SpineNevada can often have their surgery on an outpatient basis and be home later the same day. The spine surgeons at SpineNevada partner with the Surgery Center of Reno to perform minimally invasive spine surgery, enabling many patients to go home the same day. Recovery in one’s own home can be more comfortable than staying in a hospital bed.

The Surgery Center of Reno is the only free-standing surgery center in Reno that has direct hospital access if the need arises to transfer to a higher level of care. The ambulatory surgery center is connected by underground tunnel to the intensive care unit at Saint Mary's Hospital if the need arises. Other off-site surgery centers often need an ambulance to transport the patient to a major hospital. Learn more about Surgery Center of Reno.

Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST)

With the introduction of minimal access spinal technologies (MAST), spine surgeons can make a smaller incision, while at the same time accomplish identical results as open spine surgery. Due to the acute accuracy provided by these tools, surgeons can access the vertebrae through the narrow probes with surgical cameras and tools.

BMP: A better option when fusion is necessary

Oftentimes, bone is harvested from the hip of a patient during traditional fusion procedures. Unfortunately, this process may cause additional pain and discomfort. BMP, also known as “bone morphogenetic protein”, is a new bone-growth substance that eliminates the need for cutting bone from a person’s hip.

Trace protein extracts are found in bones and are required for the bone to heal or regenerate. A sufficient amount of the protein must be available in order to begin bone formation. Scientists have developed a usable form of BMP that is now being used in place of bone harvested from a patient’s hip. This bone graft is made from pure bone protein (minerals and collagen) and absorbable collagen sponge that promotes new bone formation. Studies show that the positive results achieved from surgery using BMP equal that of an autograft procedure (in which bone is taken from the hip).

Download Brochure

Click here to download information on SpineNevada minimally invasive surgery capabilities and more (new window will open).
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