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ADVANCED SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

People who have experienced pain in their backs or necks know how debilitating and life-changing it can be.

Although no one likes having spine surgery, today’s technology is light years ahead of where it once was even a just few years ago. Procedures that once took many hours to perform with days spent in the hospital and months spent in recovery, can now be done in one to three hours with a simple overnight stay in the hospital, or even home the same day. Additionally, recovery is quicker and more complete.

Dr. Goldberg is one of the leading experts in all the most advanced techniques – techniques that mean smaller incisions, less muscle and tissue disruption, faster recovery, and better outcomes.

patient after having minimally invasive spine surgery with dr. grigory goldberg
Dr. Grigory Goldberg performing minimally invasive spine surgery

MINIMALLY INVASIVE FOR MAXIMUM OUTCOMES

Whenever possible Dr. Goldberg will perform a minimally invasive surgical technique. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is an alternative to traditional open surgical procedures and offers numerous benefits such as:

  • Smaller incision means there is less muscle and tissue damage
  • Less blood loss
  • Less post-operative discomfort or pain
  • Fast recovery and healing
  • Diminished need for pain medications after surgery

Generally speaking, the goal of MISS is to stabilize the vertebrae or spinal joints while relieving pressure on the nerves, which is often caused by conditions like bone spurs, herniated discs, and spine instability.

ENDOSCOPIC SPINE SURGERY

For many of these minimally invasive procedures, Dr. Goldberg will use an endoscopic technique. Endoscopic spine surgery is an advanced, state-of-the-art form of minimally invasive surgery that is designed to give patients an even quicker recovery time and less recurring pain. It is considered the least invasive of the minimally invasive types of surgeries and Dr. Goldberg is one of the elite few spine surgeons in the world who is qualified to perform endoscopic spine surgery.

During endoscopic spine surgery, Dr. Goldberg will make a small skin incision of less than a half-inch through which he inserts an endoscope – a small tube approximately the size of a #2 pencil. The tube houses a light source, irrigation channel, a working channel for micro instrumentation, and a high-definition camera. The camera is connected to a monitor that Dr. Goldberg uses to view the spine.

Small incisions and hyper-targeting of the surgical site means even less trauma to skin, muscle, and soft tissues resulting in less blood loss and a faster recovery. Furthermore, most ESS procedures can be completed in about one hour, which allow patients to be back on their feet a few hours following post-operative recovery.

endoscopic spine surgery instrument performed by dr. grigory goldberg
Who Is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

When you need a knowledgeable orthopedic spine specialist, call Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD, at 844-373-2772.

After trying endless treatment options, you might consider invasive procedures as a last resort and at your doctor’s behest. Before allowing dread to settle in, you should consider minimally invasive spine surgery in New Jersey.

Who is a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS)? Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons defines MIS as a quicker, less hazardous method of stabilizing the bones, joints, and nerves within the spinal system. Unlike more major, open surgical techniques, MIS requires less anesthesia and disrupts fewer tissues, which minimizes recovery time.  

Who Is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Because of its 90% success rate with complex spinal fusion, MIS is a much sought-after treatment for people who have yet to find a treatment that provides relief.

So who is a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery? If any of the following situations sound familiar, you may benefit from MIS.

Noninvasive Treatments Don’t Work

You’ve tried everything, including:

  • Chiropractic manipulations
  • Physical therapy 
  • Repetitive exercises
  • Medications

Nothing provides lasting relief. 

Your Doctor Recommends This Surgery for Your Condition

Does your doctor think you could benefit from surgical treatments? If so, ask them about MIS before considering other, more invasive surgical treatments. MIS is far gentler, with less downtime than other surgical techniques. 

You Have Few, If Any, Other Health Concerns

Are you relatively healthy besides your spinal struggles? You might be an excellent candidate for MIS. Minimally invasive spine surgery can effectively treat and relieve various spinal conditions, such as:

  • Spinal stenosis 
  • Herniated discs or degenerative disc disease
  • Pinched nerves
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal tumors
  • Fractured or slipped vertebra

MIS could offer permanent relief from the chronic pain and restrictions that currently limit your life. You may also return to your daily life more quickly than with other, more invasive treatment options. 

Explore More Treatment Options with Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD

So, who is a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery? You could be a candidate for this cutting-edge treatment option. Explore this and other treatment options, such as endoscopic spine surgery with Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD.

Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Book an appointment at a New Jersey practice near you!

What Are the Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive procedures have grown in popularity due to their short recoveries, lower pain levels, and high success rates. If you have a chronic back or neck condition that prevents you from participating in daily activities, you might have considered minimally invasive spine surgery in New Jersey to alleviate the symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

However, you might also have concerns about potential complications and what your experience might look like. Dr. Grigory Goldberg outlines the advantages of this surgical approach and how it can improve your life. Continue reading below to put your mind at ease.

#1 Fewer Complications

All surgical procedures come with risks, such as:

  • Infections: Bacterial, viral, and other types of infections can develop at an incision site. A long incision has a larger surface area, presenting more opportunities for the exposed tissues to attract and spread infection. 
  • Blood clots: After your surgery, you must rest and allow the site to heal. However, physical stagnation increases your risk of developing blood clots. A minimally invasive procedure significantly reduces the risk of DVT and PE blood clots forming compared to its more invasive counterparts.
  • Blood loss: Smaller incisions don’t allow as much blood to leave a patient’s body. If you struggle with blood clotting disorders, you could benefit from a MISS to treat your spinal condition. 
  • Anesthesia and medication reactions: More invasive procedures typically require higher quantities of anesthesia and prescription pain relievers. Your body could react negatively to these substances, which causes postoperative complications that may affect you for weeks.

When your spine specialist in New Jersey makes smaller cuts, they require fewer stitches and less medication to stabilize and keep you comfortable. The lesser impacts of MISS procedures may protect you from some of the top post-surgical concerns.  

#2 Less Tissue Damage

As with other surgical procedures, MISS involves cutting into soft tissues like skin and muscle. However, your surgeon doesn’t have to cut into such a large portion of tissue when performing a MISS. The minimal injury and disruption means your surgical site needs less healing time. 

Open or invasive procedures sometimes result in patients losing muscle strength long after the incision closes and they return to their daily lives. MISS minimizes those concerns. You may regain most or all of your muscle strength as you heal and care for your health. 

#3 Less Pain

Less tissue disruption means less postoperative pain. One study found that patients who underwent MISS needed smaller quantities of pain medications than patients who went through open surgeries. While you may still experience low discomfort levels, you may not be bedridden from the pain prescription’s side effects or the pain itself for as long. 

When you struggle to manage pain following surgery, you might avoid movement, which inhibits blood circulation to the healing tissues. These limitations might increase your risk of complications like blood clots. Therefore, pain reduction is essential to a faster recovery. 

#4 Minimal Scarring

Like many patients, you might want to avoid prominent scars on your back. Surgical scars can negatively affect your self-perception and confidence. Minimally invasive spine surgery in New Jersey typically leaves small, raised areas that most people won’t notice.

Traditional surgeries involve cutting directly through the soft tissues to access the problematic areas of the spine. Instead, your surgeon will use a tubular retractor to gradually open the tissues without traumatizing them. They can widen the opening enough for the placement of screws and rods without obvious lacerations that take much longer to heal. 

#5 Speedier Recovery 

small study focusing on one type of MISS found that most patients had shorter hospital stays and returned to work within three weeks of the procedure. Patients enjoy a quicker, more comfortable recovery and may return to work and a sense of normalcy within two to three weeks versus months. Additional long-term treatments can enhance your healing experience while helping you build more strength around the surgical site. 

#6 Comprehensive Treatment Option

New Jersey spine surgeons can use MISS to treat various conditions, including:

Your surgeon can determine whether MISS offers the best approach to your condition. 

#7 Good Option for Compromised Patients

Have you exhausted non-invasive treatment options but still want an approach that minimizes bed rest? MISS might offer the perfect outlet for you. Spinal specialists also recommend it for senior adults and other patients who could benefit from short hospital stays or tissue trauma. 

  

Book a Consultation for Your Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery with the Best Spine Surgeon in NJ

Are you a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery? Find out by booking an appointment with Dr. Grigory Goldburg, the best spine surgeon in NJ. He’ll review the procedure’s potential risk factors and advantages with you and recommend an approach that suits your needs and health. 

Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in New Jersey

What is the average downtime of MIS?

The average downtime of a MIS operation is about six weeks. However, recovery time depends on the patient’s injuries and overall health status. 

What are the complications associated with MIS?

According to OrthoInfo, some complications associated with MIS are infection, discomfort, bleeding, blood clots, and nerve damage. However, these are risks with any surgery, and their probability increases with more invasive surgeries.

Does minimally invasive spine surgery hurt?

Minimally invasive spine surgery doesn’t usually hurt immediately following the procedure. You might experience some pain in the following days as healing begins. e

Who is a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery?

To determine whether MIS is right for you, consult your doctor about your treatment options.

Do minimally invasive procedures have complications?

Minimally invasive procedures may have complications, such as blood loss, infections, and soft tissue injuries. However, you are less likely to experience these complications from a minimally invasive procedure vs. a more invasive one. 

Am I a good candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery?

You are a good candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery if other non-invasive treatments have no effect on your condition, you are elderly, or you struggle with other mobility issues. Faster recovery and low rates of complications make these procedures excellent avenues for compromised individuals. 

When can I walk after minimally invasive surgical procedures?

You can typically walk within six weeks after a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Patients who undergo open procedures often wait a month or more before regaining their mobility. 

How long does minimally invasive spine surgery take?

Minimally invasive spine surgery typically takes 90 minutes or less to complete. On the other hand, open spine surgeries can last between four and six hours.