Our Summary

This research paper looks at whether minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) - surgeries that use small incisions instead of a large one - are safer than traditional, open surgeries for certain orthopedic procedures (surgeries related to the musculoskeletal system). The authors looked at previously published reviews of studies that compared both types of surgeries. They looked at things like complications during and after surgery, how well patients could move afterward, pain levels, how long patients stayed in the hospital, how often patients had to have another surgery, and how long the operation took.

They found that for spinal surgeries, MIS seemed to be safer than open surgeries. However, for surgeries on the upper and lower limbs, it wasn’t clear if MIS was safer. Therefore, they concluded that while MIS might be preferred for spinal surgeries, it’s not necessarily better for all types of orthopedic surgeries.

FAQs

  1. Is minimally invasive surgery (MIS) safer than traditional open surgery for spinal procedures?
  2. Can MIS be considered as a better option for all types of orthopedic surgeries?
  3. What factors were considered in the research to compare MIS and traditional open surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that in some cases, minimally invasive spinal surgery may be a safer option compared to traditional open surgery. However, it is important to discuss with your doctor the specific risks and benefits of each type of surgery for your individual case. It’s also important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery are those who have conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, or spinal fractures. These conditions can cause symptoms such as back pain, leg pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking. If conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections do not provide relief, surgery may be recommended to address the underlying issue and improve the patient’s quality of life.

In some cases, patients may also be recommended for spinal surgery if they have a progressive neurological deficit, such as loss of bowel or bladder control, or if they have severe pain that is not responsive to other treatments. Additionally, patients who have had previous spinal surgery that was not successful may also be candidates for revision surgery.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo spinal surgery is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the patient’s specific condition, symptoms, medical history, and overall health. It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their individual needs.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic back pain or other symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatments like pain medication or physical therapy.
  2. Patient consults with a spine specialist who recommends spinal surgery as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  4. Patient and surgeon discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery, as well as the expected outcomes.
  5. Surgery date is scheduled and patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.

After spinal surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the minimally invasive spinal surgery, which involves smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and shorter recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for any immediate post-operative complications.
  3. Patient is given pain medication to manage discomfort and encouraged to start moving and walking as soon as possible to prevent blood clots and promote healing.
  4. Patient may need physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the spine.
  5. Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may experience improved quality of life with reduced pain and improved function in the spine.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal surgery include:

  1. What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery compared to traditional, open surgery for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with minimally invasive spinal surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process for minimally invasive spinal surgery compared to traditional surgery?
  4. Will I have any restrictions on activities or movement after minimally invasive spinal surgery?
  5. How experienced are you in performing minimally invasive spinal surgery?
  6. How many of these surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  7. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after minimally invasive spinal surgery?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  9. What are the chances that I will need additional surgeries in the future after minimally invasive spinal surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before deciding on minimally invasive spinal surgery?

Reference

Authors: Rafaqat W, Ahmad T, Ibrahim MT, Kumar S, Bluman EM, Khan KS. Journal: Int J Surg. 2022 May;101:106616. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106616. Epub 2022 Apr 12. PMID: 35427798