Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Back pain

Is there such an operation as minimally evasive spinal fusion, I would think that you have a great doctor because I know of cutting to do a spinal fusion. Of course, I had one 11 years ago and procedures have changed with less down time. Mine was six months. I was okay for a couple years and the pain gradually came back and now is very hard to deal with. If you know of a reputable nerosurgeon at the Mayo Clinic, can you please let me of one. I just got a new MRI and if the nerosurgeon that I am going to see can't relieve some this pain, I will fly out to Mayo if I have to.

@linda6101 Hello, Linda. I had what is referred to as minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion surgery (ALIF) about 5 months ago. The surgeon goes through an incision in your lower abdomen, about 3 inches long, right below the naval. This was for an L5-S1 fusion, so one point of my spine. There are other fusion surgeries that involve more than one joint in the spine, and they may not be referred to as minimally invasive, especially if surgery is through the back.

@marcd2k Mark, when I has mine 11 years ago, I had an 8 inch cut in my back. This is why it took so long to heal. Can I ask where you had your surgery at. My spine doctor in Chicago said I need 2 more.

@linda6101 Hi Linda, I'm on the West Coast, are you able to travel for treatment?

I’m not sure what you are referring to but I had a left L4-5 oblique inter body fusion with pedicle screw fusion and have had no problems at all. I went to a doctor three hours away (in Cincinnati, Ohio)and compared to the procedures done by neurosurgeons in my area my surgery/recovery was a walk in the park (almost literally)! I had two small incisions on my lower back and one very small incision on my left mid to lower side, no staples, no stitches, no back brace, no physical therapy, it was an overnight stay in the hospital, and I was allowed to drive in two weeks. If you are anywhere near Cincinnati you should definitely check into Mayfield Brain and Spine!

@marcd2k yes I can. But I think the doctor here is good. Thank you.

@linda6101 No. I am not going to a Mayo Clinic for the procedure. But I understand that it can be and has been very successful procedure. A friend here had it done.

@marcd2k Mark, I'm not sure that I can sit on a plane that long, My spinal surgeon suggested 3 spinal fusions at L2,L3 and L4. Three of my doctors said not to do such procedure. It would make matters worse. I'm waiting for a call from a neurosurgon that I saw years ago. when my condition was not as bad.
He suggested sticking with my pain specialist who has tried ten procedures on me to relieve the pain with no luck. Currently taking Norco but the dose isn't doing it anymore, as my spine gets worse. If I don't hear from his office today, I will give them a call. I requested an appointment on line last Thursday.

@linda6101 Hello, Linda, I know what you mean about sitting on a plane, as I cannot sit for that long either. I hope you get the advice you need, we all know how difficult it is these days.

Mark, my neurosurgery team did reach out to me today and their team is comparing my 2025 and 2026 MRIs to see how my spine has gotten worse. Major problems are spinal stenosis bad, degenerative disc disease bad and bulging discs. The neurosurgeon that I want to see is 5 star. I hope he can do something minimally evasive. If not, my son said he would go to a Mayo Clinic maybe as a next option. I live alone and he is a godsend. I’ll keep you posted.