minimally invasive vs standard laminectomy with Fusion L4 L5

Posted by olv @oveanlover1224, Oct 8 1:19pm

Second post! I forgot to ask ??? my DR. is doing my laminectomy with Fusion L4 L5 the standard way, NOT minimally invasively!!! I am not sure what to think about this as i dont want someone who is not well trained on this surgery??? should I cancel and find a DR who will do MIS? thank you so very much to any helpful advice,,, cheers 🙂

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | Oct 10 11:39pm

@oveanlover1224
Hi! I had an minamally invasive surgery for my t11 to l4 fusion last December. My surgery was eight hours versus a 2 to 3 hour open surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery requires much, much more time and much, much more effort from the surgeon.
It’s a different technique and it creates less damage to your body and quicker healing.
That being said, there are many situations where it is not the best or possible option, based on the correction needed for your spine.
I would definitely ask a surgeon if they can do it, and if not, why.
I would also always recommend getting a second opinion, no matter what. My second opinion led me to a minimally invasive surgery, versus open surgery, and it also led me to getting one less vertebrae fused.
Wishing you the best!
Sherry