Minimally invasive spine surgery or MISS encompasses a set of techniques that allow spine surgery to be performed with better results than traditional ones, reducing the complications associated with them, such as infections, bleeding, postoperative pain and recovery time.
Why are you a pioneer in this surgery?
In Spain, because he introduced this type of technique and is one of the most experienced surgeons in this field, having performed more than a thousand operations of this type. In the world for having participated in the standardization of some of the surgical techniques such as microsurgical tubular approaches, MIS TLIF, the transpsoas approach and others.
I am co-director of the European course on minimally invasive spine surgery, and I have been and am a professor, guest lecturer and director of multiple theoretical and practical courses on these techniques, as well as the author of several publications on the subject.
In what cases is it necessary?
It is recommended whenever possible, which is practically in most cases, given the advantages it brings to the patient.
We could say that it is essential when conventional open surgery is contraindicated, due to the age and/or associated pathologies of the patients.
How is the surgery performed?
These surgeries are performed through small incisions, using small tubes and with the aid of a microscope or endoscope. In many cases, neurosurgery specialists also use 3D intraoperative navigation and neurophysiological monitoring to increase safety and reduce complications.
What are the risks involved?
The specific risks of spinal interventions are neurological and muscular injury, bleeding or infection. With minimally invasive surgery these risks are considerably minimized, so that the number of cases that may require a transfusion or have suffered a post-surgical infection is practically nil. In addition, since the spinal musculature is preserved, postoperative pain is less and recovery in the medium and long term is much faster.