Can all spinal problems be corrected using minimally invasive procedures?
• Which spine procedures may be performed using minimally invasive techniques? • How do I know if I’m a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery? What is minimally invasive spine surgery? Minimally invasive spine surgery, or keyhole surgery, is performed through one or more half-inch skin incisions. Some surgeons refer to the small incisions as portals. Where the incisions are made depends on how the surgeon needs to approach, or gain access to the spine. There are 3 basic approaches: from the front (anterior), back (posterior), or side (translateral). The surgeon uses an endoscope during the procedure. An endoscope is similar to a narrow tube with an eyepiece and camera attachment. The surgeon looks through the eyepiece to see a magnified image of the surgical field (patient’s anatomy). In real time, the camera transmits the same image to a video monitor. Everyone in the operating room can view the operation on the monitor. With the patient fully sedated under general anesthesia
