Open
Vs. Laparoscopic Surgery
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The benefits of minimally invasive surgery are many
(as shown below). But not all surgeries can be done
via MIS. We believe minimal invasive endoscopic discectomy,
should be considered as standard surgical technique.
It is safer, less risky with a fast return to normal
activities, and more economical. Although laparoscopic
surgery is a viable alternative to traditional open
surgery for many conditions, it may not be appropriate
for everyone. There are times when the condition of
the patient or the existence of other disorders makes
open surgery a better choice. Patients should consult
their primary care physician regarding the best course
of treatment.
»The figure to the right shows the tiny entry
point, an x-ray of the micro instrument at surgery and
the use of a laser during surgery.
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| Laparoscopic
Surgery Pros |
Open
Surgery Cons |
| • |
small size (2.8.mm-5mm
skin opening to be closed with a steri-strip and Band-Aid
- No stitches) |
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• |
the degree of exposure
is a benefit, but the extensive surgical exposure and
prolonged periods of retraction can seriously injure the
major muscles of the back and, in turn, cause considerable
post-surgical pain |
| • |
precise control |
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• |
not as precise |
| • |
visualization while working |
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• |
hands can block view |
| • |
no access damage
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• |
muscles and nerves may
need to be cut or stretched for access |
| • |
local anesthesia |
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• |
general anesthesia |
| • |
costs less |
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• |
longer hospital stay =
more costs |
| • |
lowest morbidity of all
invasive treatment options |
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• |
higher morbidity rate |
| • |
shortened hospital stay
and a faster recovery |
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• |
longer hospital stay |
| • |
more detailed view of
the operative site for more precise work |
|
• |
microscope may not be
able to access area |
| • |
reduced wound complications
associated with large scars |
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• |
greater chance of wound
complications associated with large scars |
| • |
less need for post-surgical
pain medication, faster return to normal activities |
|
• |
greater need for post-surgical
pain medications |
Endoscopic Procedures
These procedures allow parts of your disc to be removed from
device that fits into a large needle, instead of the traditional
open incision that the traditional surgery calls for. The
procedure, while preformed at a hospital, generally allows
our patients to leave the same day.
An endoscopic discectomy or percutaneous arthroscopic discectomy
involves having a thin tube inserted through a small incision
in the patient's back, allowing the surgeon to use small cameras
and tools to remove parts of the disk. A percutaneous suction
discectomy is similar to endoscopic discectomy. However, a
device on the end of the tube is used to cut the disk and
pieces of the cut disc are then suctioned out.
Since the procedure uses a smaller incision, your surgeon's
experience and training are very important. An experienced
surgeon, therefore, would be able to tell if the correct part
of the disc has been removed, and if there is no additional
disc material that needs to be removed. These procedures have
become very effective, and our surgeons would rather perform
this operation than an open surgery. The advantages to the
patients are obvious and are outlined in our Endoscopic Versus
Open section. California Orthopaedic Medical Clinic, Inc. is involved in
ongoing research and development in the field of orthopaedic
surgery. We would be pleased to respond to any Inquiries regarding
these techniques, and will provide further information, as
required.
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