Micro-Invasive Surgery
What is Micro-Invasive Spine Surgery?
Micro-invasive spine surgery is specifically performed using smaller incisions, specialized surgical tools and microsurgical techniques that minimize damage to surrounding muscles and tissues when compared to traditional open surgery. This results in less pain after surgery, less risk of complications, and allows for a quicker recovery. Our scientific data is pretty clear on this.
In the long-term, we believe it will lead to less failed back syndrome, less chronic back pain, and more durable and longer lasting surgeries.
Conditions we treat
Treatments we provide
Micro-Invasive Decompression and Microdiscectomy
Micro-invasive decompressions and microdiscectomies can be performed using a small specialized tube retractor and a microscope that allows for high precision with surgery. Specialized tools are used through the tube to unpinch nerves or remove a disc herniation. Spinal endoscopy is the most ultra-minimally invasive approach to surgery. Following surgery, you are left with an incision <1cm in length.
Micro-invasive fusion
Similarly, micro-invasive fusions can be performed through small specialized tube retractors with the assistance of computer navigation or robotics.These fusions can be performed through a lateral (from the side) or posterior (from the back) approach. It can even be performed endoscopically.
Outpatient Surgery
Many micro-invasive spinal surgeries can be performed safely in an outpatient setting. This means you are able to return home the same day of surgery without having to stay in the hospital. Recovery is typically quick, with pain-free return to most activities by 6 weeks.
A word from Dr. Chung
It is important to remember that not everybody is a candidate for micro-invasive surgery and that there is no one-size fits all procedure for everybody.
With double fellowship training with advanced training in micro-invasive techniques, Dr. Chung has extensive experience in the latest ultra-minimally invasive and outpatient spine surgical techniques. Let him help you to decide which type of surgery is best for you.