Overview
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) describes techniques that use small incisions, tubular retractors, microscopes or endoscopes, and imaging to reach the spine with less disruption to muscles.
Many common operations, including discectomy, decompression and some fusions, can be done with minimally invasive techniques. Not every condition is suited to them.
Watch and learn
Video: “Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at Mayo Clinic” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “What Is Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion? | Ask Cleveland Clinic's Expert” from Cleveland Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
Who may be a candidate
- Disc herniation or stenosis at one or a few levels
- Selected fusions
- Patients who meet criteria for the specific procedure after evaluation
Your exam, imaging and overall health decide whether this surgery is appropriate for you.
How it is done
- Anesthesia as appropriate for the procedure.
- Small incisions are made and dilating tubes or an endoscope are inserted.
- Live imaging guides the surgeon to the correct level.
- The surgeon performs the decompression or fusion through the small working channel.
- Small incisions are closed; many patients go home the same or next day.
This procedure is often done on an outpatient basis. Procedures that are appropriate for outpatient care may be performed at GSMC’s surgery center; others are done in a hospital. Your surgeon will explain where your procedure would take place.
Recovery timeline
Walking right away; less incision pain than open surgery for many people.
Return to light activities; depends on the specific procedure.
Recovery depends on the procedure, your health and how many levels are treated. Your surgeon will give you a written plan.
Risks
Every surgery has risks. Your surgeon will review them with you, including:
- Same core risks as open surgery: infection, bleeding, nerve injury, spinal fluid leak
- Possible need to convert to an open procedure
- Recurrence of the original problem
Alternatives to consider
See all nonsurgical options, or ask for a second opinion.
Who performs it
Call 732-202-3000 to confirm which surgeon performs this procedure and where.
Frequently asked questions
Is minimally invasive always better?
Not always. It may mean less muscle injury and a quicker early recovery, but the long-term result depends on choosing the right procedure.
Can fusions be minimally invasive?
Some can, such as certain TLIF and lateral fusions.
Is it outpatient?
Many decompressions are; fusions often need a short hospital stay.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary. No outcome can be promised.