Procedure
The most commonly used technique to perform minimally invasive laser spine surgery uses a tubular retractor. The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen through which the tubular retractor is inserted down to the spinal column. The tubular retractor creates a tunnel to the area where the problem exists. The surgeon accesses the spine using small instruments that can fit into the retractor. Materials required for the surgery, like screws, are inserted through the retractor. Any material to be removed from the spine is taken out through the retractor. Some of the surgeries may also require more than one retractor and thus more than one incision.With removal of the retractor muscles return to their normal position. Real time x-ray of the patient’s spine helps the surgeon to calculate the position of the incision and retractor. This real time x-ray imaging is known as fluoroscopy.