How To Become Better With LASER SPINE SURGERY - A MYTH?
A common misconception among patients is that spine surgery can be performed exclusively using lasers. While minimally invasive surgical techniques have grown by leaps and bounds, lasers have actually been around for a long time. In fact, lasers have been used in medicine since 1973. However, there is no strong rationale for its use in spine surgery.
The reality is that lasers are virtually useless in spine surgery. Let's examine why this is so in a little more detail. Spine surgery is usually performed to relieve pain and other discomfort by relieving pressure on a compressed nerve or stabilizing the spine. In case of disc herniation (rupture) or rupture, the damaged part of the disc is removed in a procedure called discectomy. A laminectomy is performed to remove a bone spur or growth that may be impinging on the surrounding nerves. Spinal stabilization or fusion is performed by securing two or more spinal bones together using metal or plastic implants. Although these surgeries can be performed with minimal access - through a small incision that minimizes blood loss, risk of infection and shortens recovery time, the use of lasers is not relevant and may actually be counter-productive.
It is becoming increasingly clear that laser spine surgery is purely a marketing pitch, assuring patients of a painless procedure with no side effects, promising a quick return to normal life. In fact, laser surgery actually involves a surgical incision to access the spine. The laser is only used to remove the soft tissue located on the spine. Bone fragments or ligaments are removed using special instruments. Therefore, lasers actually play a very small role in laser spine surgery.
Another very important aspect of laser spine surgery is that while the laser can cut out damaged or bulging portions of the disc, it is much more reliable than mechanically removing pieces of the disc to relieve nerve compression. Additionally, it is a safer option because the laser carries the risk of damaging the nerve root located near the disc. A laser cannot be used to decompress patients with spinal stenosis because it cannot cut bone. Electrocautery is the preferred tool in spine surgery and is a relatively safe option.
The marketing of "safe" spine surgery using lasers has gained popularity, obviously without merit and by falsely assuring patients, playing on the fear of surgery and promising an easy recovery. The truth is, most neurosurgeons do not use or recommend lasers for spine surgery because there are no clear advantages over other methods. Furthermore, there are no well-established studies proving the effectiveness of lasers over more modern and established spine surgery techniques. Therefore, make sure you fully understand the procedure before undergoing any elective surgery. Consult a qualified spine surgeon to get accurate information about spine surgery.
