Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a unique type of operation which uses endoscopic equipment. This surgery considers to have favorable results and causes minimal trauma to the patient.

In this type of surgery, the surgeon accesses the spine through a few small skin incisions (up to 2-3 cm). After preforming these strategically placed incisions, he places a miniature digital video camera and special surgical instruments through those cuts.

The camera magnifies the surgical site and allows him to get a better visual of the complex structure and delicate nerves that are being handled in this surgery. The camera acts as a “better set of eyes” and guides the surgeon in the field of operation. The surgical tools being used in the surgery are a part of a new modern technology, which gives the surgeon better control of every move he makes and considers to be a state of the art machinery for this kind of procedure.

At the end of the surgery, the endoscopic equipment is removed, the small incisions are sutured and bandaged.

Minimally invasive spine surgery is an attractive option for patients who wish for a faster recovery, smaller skin incisions and scars, and a significantly reduced risk.

Is my medical problem suitable for this surgery?

This new technology is generally used by neurosurgeons to treat a patient who suffers from degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, spinal column deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis), tumors, vertebral fractures, and herniated disks.

Here in HMC, our experts recommend this surgery for the following cases:

• Fixation of the spine: for the degenerative changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs.
• Correction of deformities: scoliosis, kyphosis.
• Microsurgical removal of herniated discs: relieving pressure and pain, making the recovery process faster and easier than the traditional open surgery.
• Decompression of the spinal cord: caused by spinal tumors, metastasis.
• Correction and stabilization of vertebral compression fractures

Why minimally invasive surgery is so good for me?

Minimally invasive surgery is one of many new developments that have been made in the last decade in the field of surgery. It is a modern new technology that minimizes postoperative complications when compared to open surgery.

Here are some of the reasons you should consider this procedure:

• Since the surgeon does not need to explore the surgical site, there is very little damage to the muscle surrounding the surgical area.
• The anesthesia required for the surgery is minimal; therefore the post-operative recovery period is usually much shorter.
• Scars are small and inconspicuous.
• Hospitalization after surgery takes only a few days. (in comparison, after open spine surgery, hospitalization duration is about one week)
• Pain in minimally invasive surgery is assessed as moderate.
• Post-operative rehabilitation takes several months. (in comparison, after open spine surgery, rehabilitation takes at least one year time)
• Minimally invasive surgery is a low-risk procedure, accompanied by less blood loss, lower risk for infection, the lower possibility for CSF (cerebral-spinal-fluid) leakage, and generally fewer complications.

Why choose HMC for minimally invasive spine surgery?

The success of minimally invasive interventions depends largely on the skill of the operating surgeon. Herzliya Medical Center cooperates with leading experts in the field of neurosurgery in Israel. These neurosurgeons have extensive practical experience in performing complex operations on the spine and spinal cord. Therefore, by choosing HMC, you can be sure you will only get the most highly trained, skilled and professional doctors and the best treatment for your condition.

HMC staff for minimally invasive spine surgery

Leading the endoscopic head and spine surgeries in HMC is Dr. Shlomo Davidovich, a highly acclaimed neurosurgeon. Dr. Davidovich is practicing endoscopic procedures since his early residency days. He mastered the technique in the USA, where he spent 3 years, performing more than 1000 of this kind of operation. Since his return to Israel, he is a chief physician in “Asuta privet hospital” and “Blinson hospital”, in addition to his work in HMC.

Performance and Instruments

Minimally invasive spine surgery in Israel is performed using endoscopic equipment: an optical instrument (endoscope) equipped with a miniature digital video camera and special surgical instruments.

The endoscope and its attached tools allow the doctor to perform all the necessary manipulations of the spine. It is introduced into the surgical site through small (up to 2 cm long) incisions on the surface of the back, chest or abdominal wall. At Herzliya Medical Center Private Hospital minimally invasive surgical techniques are widely used in the treatment of injuries and diseases of the spine.

The development of modern technology has made it possible to perform endoscopic procedures not only for diagnostic measures but also for medical procedures, including surgery. The advantages of endoscopic surgery are widely used by orthopedic spinal surgeons and neurosurgeons. The impressive achievements in neurosurgery in Israel with minimally invasive endoscopic techniques are known among patients who seek to undergo surgery in Israel.

Indications for minimally invasive spine surgery

Neurosurgeons of spinal surgery in Israel practice minimally invasive endoscopic techniques for the treatment of patients with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, spinal column deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis), tumors and vertebral fractures.

Minimally invasive spine surgery has also proved to be successful in the treatment of herniated disc. Compared to traditional open surgery, the recovery after endoscopic microsurgical removal of a herniated disc occurs much faster. According to a study performed on patients during rehabilitation, they suffer less pain and generally assess the final result as more successful.

Experts in the field of spinal surgery in Israel, in cooperation with Herzliya Medical Center Private Hospital, recommend to undergo minimally invasive spine surgery in the following cases:

• Fixation of the spine, which is an indication for the degenerative changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs
• Correction of deformities of the spinal column, such as scoliosis
• Microsurgical removal of herniated discs
• The need for decompression of the spinal cord in spinal tumors
• Correction and stabilization of vertebral compression fractures

Benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery

During a minimally invasive spine surgery extensive malacology is not performed; thus it results in less damaged muscle, the patient does not need anesthesia and the post-operative recovery period is usually much shorter.

Further benefits of minimally invasive operations:

• After surgery, the patient remains with relatively small inconspicuous scars
• Hospitalization after surgery lasts a few days (after the open spine surgery, its duration is about one week)
• Pain after minimally invasive surgery is assessed as moderate
• The period of postoperative rehabilitation takes several months. In open spinal surgery, the patient can return to normal life no sooner than one year
• Minimally invasive operations are accompanied by less loss of blood and low-risk

How is minimally invasive spine surgery performed?

Minimally invasive surgery in the field of neurosurgery in Israel is carried out using an endoscope – an optical instrument.

For a more accurate visualization of the surgical field a portable X-ray machine, a fluoroscope is used. A small skin incision is done through which the endoscope is introduced, coupled with a video camera. The camcorder transmits magnified images of the surgical field to the monitor, in this way the surgeon is guided during the operation. The tools by which all necessary action is performed on the spine, are introduced through additional small incisions. After the operation, the endoscope is removed along with the tools. The small incisions are sutured and bandaged.

The success of minimally invasive interventions depends largely on the skill of the operating surgeon. Herzliya Medical Center cooperates with leading experts in the field of neurosurgery in Israel. These neurosurgeons have extensive practical experience in performing complex operations on the spine and spinal cord.