The last thing you want to hear from your back specialist is that you need laser spine surgery. While this is scary and stressful, it’s good to know that there are benefits of this procedure when compared to the more traditional approach.
Any type of back surgery is a big deal, so you should have a clear idea of what you’re getting into. Knowing the benefits of laser spine surgery can help put your mind at ease. Here are five that you should be aware of:
- Smaller Incision
One of the primary concerns of any type of surgery — but especially those involving your neck or back — is the size of the incision. Not only are you concerned about a large scar, but also the way it will impact your ability to rest as you recover.
Laser spine surgery can help, as it uses a small incision to gain access to the injured area. To many people, this is the primary benefit of laser spine surgery when compared to traditional open back surgery.
- Less Pain
This holds true both for the procedure itself and the recovery period. In many ways, this goes hand in hand with a smaller incision. Also, with laser spine surgery, there’s less chance of collateral damage. This reduces the risk of injuring a nearby area, which could result in more pain.
- Less Time in the Hospital
Did you know that many who get laser spine surgery are able to go home the same day or the next day? This doesn’t hold true all the time — as it depends largely on the extent of the procedure and the severity of your injury — but it’s nice to know that you probably won’t have to remain in the hospital for several days or longer.
Your surgeon can talk to you about how long you can expect to remain in the hospital after your laser spine surgery. If you’re lucky, you may find out that you’re able to return home sooner rather than later. It’s always nice to rest and recover in your own bed with the people you love.
- Faster Recovery Period
Not only will you spend less time in the hospital with laser spine surgery — as long as everything goes as planned — but you’re able to get back to your normal life sooner. The recovery period associated with laser spine surgery is known for being much shorter than a more conventional approach. There’s no way of knowing exactly how long it will take to fully recover, but your doctor can discuss this with you upfront.
- Reduced Risk of Infection
With a smaller incision site, there’s a reduced risk of infection. And that’s a big deal, as an infection can set you back. Depending on the severity, it could even land you in the hospital as you recover.
Questions for Your Surgeon
Before you decide in favor of laser spine surgery, it’s critical that you discuss the finer details with your surgeon. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect every step of the way. Some of the many questions that you can ask include:
- What are the pros and cons of laser spine surgery?
- What types of complications could arise from laser spine surgery?
- How many laser spine surgical procedures have you completed to date?
- How long will the surgery take?
- How long can I expect to say in the hospital after the surgery?
- How long will it take to feel normal again?
- What type of therapy is required after the surgery? When does that start?
These aren’t the only types of questions that you should ask your surgeon, but they should be somewhere near the top of your list. No matter what’s on your mind, ask for more information before the day of your procedure. You want to have a clear mind as you move through the process.
Final Thoughts
These are the top benefits of laser spine surgery. If you have any questions about these, talk to your doctor directly. They can address your questions and concerns to put your mind at ease. What matters most is that you choose the surgical procedure that will help eliminate your pain and discomfort once and for all.
Last modified: April 22, 2022
