Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is occasionally called less invasive spine surgery. Here the surgeon utilizes specialized tools to get the spine through small incisions. This technique uses modern technology to decrease tissue injury, bleeding, hospital stay, and recovery from reducing the total size of the incision.

Signs and Symptoms

• Lower Neck and Back pain
• Arm or leg pain
• Pain affecting daily living activities, difficulty working, walking, and sleep

Indications

Minimally Invasive Spinal Operation is widely used in:

• Laminectomy (decompression operation): Complete or partial removal of the lamina, to relieve stress on the spinal cord or nerves.
• Laminotomy: A small section of the lamina is removed to relieve pressure.
• Spinal Fusion: A combination of painful vertebrae to fuse into one bone.
• Fractures, Tumors, Infections, Instability, and Deformity

Tests and Diagnosis

• Presenting symptoms by patient
• Physical evaluation to estimate movement, stability, and strength
• X-rays imaging to determine the extent of damage
• MRI or bone scan to determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues

Procedure

Before Procedure

• Physician will assess and discuss potential complications
• Full medical evaluation
• Blood evaluation
• Stop certain medicines like NSAIDs, aspirin, blood thinners

During Procedure

• Performed under regional or general anesthesia
• Small incision made
• Tubular retractors inserted to access the spine
• Instruments passed through the retractor
• Fluoroscopy or endoscopy used for guidance
• Bone/disc removed, devices inserted through the retractor
• Retractor removed, muscles return to position
• Incision stitched, stapled, or glued

After Procedure

• Antibiotics to prevent infection
• Painkillers prescribed
• Discharge same day or within 1–2 days
• Follow-up appointments required
• Report infection symptoms immediately
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation important

Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Pain at graft site
• Recurring symptoms
• Pseudarthrosis
• Nerve damage
• Blood clots

Factors Affecting the Cost Of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

• Hospital selection
• Type of room
• Fee for doctors and OT charges
• Standard tests and diagnostics
• Procedure cost
• Follow-up care costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is minimally invasive spinal surgery recommended?
A: When conservative treatments haven’t relieved symptoms and source of pain is clearly diagnosed.

Q: When can I return home after surgery?
A: Same day or within 1 to 2 days of hospitalization.

Q: How long is the total recovery?
A: Recovery typically takes 4 to 6 months depending on patient and procedure.

Q: Is the procedure painless?
A: No, but postoperative pain is less than traditional open surgery.

Q: How long before I return to normal work?
A: 1–2 weeks, varies by condition. Physical therapy recommended.

Q: What is the disadvantage of traditional open surgery?
A: Muscle and tissue damage, longer recovery, more blood loss, higher infection risk.

Q: What are the advantages of MISS?
A: Less injury to muscles, smaller incisions, less bleeding, shorter hospital stays, more cost-effective.

Q: Who performs Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
A: Performed by spinal neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons.

Q: Do I need a yellow fever certificate when I travel to India?
A: Yes, if you're from countries where yellow fever is prevalent.

Q: Can I get a visa on arrival in India for treatment?
A: Yes, for citizens of Japan, Cambodia, Finland, Indonesia, Philippines, etc.