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Key Hole Spine surgery has undergone a huge evolution!

By Medical Expert Team

Oct 07 , 2016 | 1 min read

Is Spine Surgery is a failure?

FACT: No, spine surgery has a success rate of 92-95%. It is indicated for conditions like disc prolapse, spinal canal stenosis and spinal instability, when the symptoms and signs pertaining to above conditions match the MRI findings.

However, in the absence of neurological deficit like weakness in the limbs, loss of sensation, bowel/bladder disturbances, you should opt for a trial of adequate conservative management- the period of which is normally 3 months. Conservative therapy can be in the form of analgesics, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes. Despite that, if the pain persists or if there is progression of symptoms, then surgery is advised.

Indications for surgery include:

- Onset of a new neurological deficit.

- Bowel / Bladder problems

- Failure of adequate conservative trial

- Neurogenic intermittent claudication ( pain, tingling & numbness in legs while walking)

- Intractable back pain interfering with activities of daily living.

Advantages of Key Hole Surgery

Small Incision
Less pain
Same day mobilization
Prevents muscle damage
Short hospital stay

What is Key Hole Disc Removal Surgery?

This involves a unilateral approach, in which surgery is performed by doing a one-inch incision. The muscles are split and not cut by using a serial dilator system. Minimal bone is drilled and disc is removed by using an operating microscope. Thereafter, the skin incision is closed with absorbable stitches, and the patient is ambulated within a day of surgery and discharged the next day.

Know more on Spine Fixation - Key Hole Approach

Certain spine diseases are present with spinal instability and may require bone removal as there is nerve root compression. The spine becomes unstable and needs to be stabilized with screws and rods to prevent instability.

Dr. Priyamvadha says, at Max Hospital, Dehradun, we perform spine fixation through 4-6 key holes, depending upon the number of screws to be placed. The procedure is performed under X-ray guidance and does not involve muscle cutting. Post-operative pain is minimal and the patient is mobilized the next day so that he can go home in a short period of time.