Struggling with Back Pain? Discover the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine (MIS) Surgery
The good news is you can have rapid recovery and wound size as small as a bandaid for a finger after a minimally invasive spinal surgery.
Chronic back pain or sudden sciatic discomfort can feel like it’s putting your life on hold. If you are seeking relief but are wary of traditional open surgery, Minimally Invasive Spinal (MIS) surgery offers a modern, high-precision alternative designed to get you back on your feet faster.
What is MIS Surgery?
The core philosophy of MIS surgery is to “reduce the footprint” of the procedure. Unlike traditional methods that require large incisions, our surgeons treat spinal issues with minimal disruption to your normal anatomy.
There are three primary techniques used in modern MIS practice:
- MAST (Minimal Access Spinal Techniques): Utilising specialised instruments and microscopes through smaller access points.
- Endoscopic Surgery: Using tiny cameras to guide the procedure.
- Percutaneous Surgery: Performing corrections through the skin with needle-like precision.
The Tubular Microdiscectomy: A Gold Standard for Prolapsed Discs
Since the early 2000s, the tubular microdiscectomy has become one of the most trusted MIS procedures for treating a single-level prolapsed (herniated) disc.
Why might I need minimally invasive spine surgery?
Most people who have back pain will not need surgery. Your doctor may advise spine surgery if you have a back problem that hasn’t gotten better with conservative treatment, such as medicine, physical therapy or there is progressive decline in neurological function. If you still are in a lot of pain, surgery on your spine might fix the problem. Spine surgery can’t fix all types of back problems, though.
Your healthcare provider will advise spine surgery only if you have a type of problem that surgery may help. This includes conditions such as:
- Herniated disk
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Spinal deformities (like scoliosis)
- Spinal instability
- Spondylolisthesis (when a vertebra slips forward)
- Spondylolysis or pars defect (a defect in part of a lower vertebrae)
- Fractured vertebra
- Removal of a tumor in the spine
- Infection in the spine
Why patients choose this approach:
- Micro-Incisions: The surgical opening is typically less than 2cm, smaller than a band aid for your finger.
- Rapid Recovery: Due to minimal soft tissue disruption, most patients can return home after just a one-day hospital stay.
- Effective Pain Relief: Successful procedures typically result in a significant reduction of debilitating sciatic pain.
- Less Post-Op Discomfort: MIS approaches generally offer less post-operative pain and shorter hospital stays than traditional open surgery.
Your Path to Recovery
While every patient is unique, the typical roadmap to recovery with MIS surgery is streamlined:
- Wound Healing: Generally takes about two weeks.
- Neurological Recovery: Symptoms like numbness or weakness improve over time as the nerve heals.
- Return to Play: By following a professional rehabilitation programme with a physiotherapist, many patients can return to sports within 3–4 months.
(Note: Patients with severe, long-term nerve compression may require a more extended recovery period.)
A Success Story
Mr. A is a young man in his late 20s who sustained a prolapsed disc at L45 with right-sided sciatica that got progressively worse despite medications and physiotherapy.
MIS microdiscectomy was done and he was home the next day. He was up and about with no major issues and back to sports after a short rehab for core strengthening in less than 2 months.
How do I get ready for minimally invasive spine surgery?
Chat with your doctor about your surgery preparation. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin. You may need to stop taking some medicines ahead of time, such as blood thinners. If you smoke or use nicotine products, you’ll need to stop before your surgery. Nicotine can delay healing. Talk with your healthcare provider if you need help to stop smoking.
Before your surgery, you may need imaging tests. These include X-rays, MRI or even CT scans
Follow any instructions you are given for not eating or drinking before your surgery. Tell your doctor about any recent changes in your health, such as a fever.
What happens after a minimally invasive spine surgery?
Some types of MIS Surgeries can be done as an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home within 23 hours or less. You will need to stay for a couple of hours after the procedure so your healthcare provider can watch for problems. Or you may need to stay one or more nights in the hospital. When you’re ready to go home, you’ll need to have someone drive you. If a drain was placed in your wound, it usually comes out 1 to 3 days after the surgery.
You will have some pain after the surgery. This can be relieved with pain medicines, cold packs, and walking regularly. Ask your healthcare provider if there are any over-the-counter pain medicines you should not take. Often, the pain will go away quickly.
You can resume a normal diet as soon as you are able to.
You will be encouraged to do breathing exercises during the first few days after surgery. This allows all parts of your lungs to re-expand and clear the secretions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing or a severe headache.
Your healthcare provider will give you instructions about how you can use your back after surgery. You may need to limit lifting or bending. You may need to wear a back brace for a time after the procedure.
In order to recover more quickly post-operatively, physical therapy is required after the surgery. This is to help strengthen muscles around the spine and help you recover.
Your recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery you had and your general health. You may be able to go back to normal activities in a few weeks.
Make sure to follow all your healthcare provider’s instructions about treatment and follow-up appointments. This will help make sure the surgery works well for you
Ready to Move Freely Again?
Don’t let spinal discomfort dictate your lifestyle. MIS surgery is a safe, cost-effective, and time-efficient solution that has helped thousands of patients reclaim their mobility since its inception.
Schedule a consultation with our spine specialist today to see if you are a candidate for Minimally Invasive Surgery.
To make an appointment with Dr. Fong Poh Ling, please click here or on the WhatsApp icon here on our website.
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BY DR. FONG POH LING
SPECIALIST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON
ORTHOPAEDICS INTERNATIONAL
