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Is Laser Spine Surgery Better Than Traditional Open Surgery?

If you require back surgery, you usually have options. Whether laser spine surgery is better than traditional open back surgery depends on your specific problem, the type of surgery required and the skill of the surgeon.

  1. Open Surgery

    • In traditional open back surgery, the surgeon generally makes a 5- to 6-inch incision in the back and then uses traditional surgical instruments to perform the surgery.

    Laser Surgery

    • Laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgery requiring a 1-inch or shorter incision. The surgeon then uses a laser to perform the surgery.

    Advantages

    • The advantages to minimally invasive surgery, such as laser surgery, include a shorter time required for the surgery, less damage to soft tissue and muscle, less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay followed by faster recovery and less scarring, both internally and on the skin.

    Results

    • According to the Spine Center at the University of Colorado Hospital, minimally invasive spine surgery usually gives you the same outcome as traditional back surgery techniques.

    Considerations

    • The use of laser surgery continues to increase because of the advantages listed. However, not all conditions can be treated with laser spine surgery, and valid differences of opinion exist. Any surgery is a major decision, so getting a second opinion is advised.

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