A procedure that’s been performed since the 1980s, laser spine surgery is a minimally-invasive alternative to open back surgery. It involves using a laser to cut or remove problematic tissue that’s causing chronic back pain and other symptoms. Offering some of the best laser spine surgery NJ has to offer, Dr. Joshua Rovner is adept at addressing back conditions with laser technologies.
Understanding laser spine surgery
While traditional spine surgery involves making a lengthy incision in the back to access the muscles and underlying structures, laser spine surgery requires smaller incisions, just a couple of inches long. Through those openings, the surgeon will use a laser to treat your condition, removing the ends of sensitive nerves and/or reducing the size of the spinal discs to alleviate pressure in the area.
Because laser spine surgery requires smaller incisions, the scars are minimal. However, this approach can only provide a limited view of the spine, which can result in a more challenging operation. With open back surgery, the surgeon is able to obtain a direct and unobstructed view of the entire area, which is helpful when performing complex procedures.
The benefits
When patients seek out laser spine surgery, it’s typically because they’ve heard that it’s a less-invasive way to treat their condition. When the procedure is performed properly and by an experienced New Jersey laser spine surgeon, it is associated with a number of benefits. A few of the most prominent ones include:
- Less blood loss
- Minimally-invasive approach
- Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
- Smaller incisions and minimal scarring when compared to traditional spine surgery