Question

Answer

I have a lumbar disc problem, what should I do?

You should read through this site, thoroughly and maybe print out the pages that seem most important.

Retrieve your MRI films and send them to Dr Burres for a FREE second opinion. You will hear back promptly

Consider coming from MicroLaser. Dr Burres’ office located near a major airport and people have been traveling for MicroLaser for many years

I have had traditional lumbar surgery and still have symptoms, what should I do?

You have a recurrent disc and want to avoid a fusion? Consider MicroLaser. Do what you can for yourself-- lose weight, swim, wear a brace.

I want to know MORE about MicroLaser, what should I do?

You can send your MRI with return postage and your address for a FREE second look and in the return envelope you will receive a video and pamphlet

Is MicroLaser Discectomy safe?

Absolutely! The microscopic control provided by MicroLaser makes it safer than macro surgery

Why isn’t MicroLaser available in my town?

Very few spine surgeons have embraced MicroLaser® probably because it is not a big-ticket surgery and the widespread use of fusions

I have back pain. What should I do?

Read through this website, check out the Conservative Treatment page, and make sure you have tried at least some of these options. If this does not improve your situation and get you back to work and into your lifestyle, then get an MRI and send it to me

How much does MicroLaser Discectomy cost?

Most insurance plans cover MicroLaser. If you do not have health insurance and want MicroLaser, you can have it on a cash basis.

My family doctor says that laser surgery is unsafe and ineffective. What do you say?

Your doctor is misinformed. Laser surgery is a commonly used tool in the operating room for: urology, dermatology, ENT, endovascular surgery, brain surgery, and other specialties

I have back pain and an abnormal MRI. Can you help me?

Yes- I will look at the films for FREE and let you know what I think of the films and whether MicroLaser® is appropriate for your case

My doctor says I need a spinal fusion. Do I?

Rarely are spinal fusions needed. But they are commonly used and I do them for certain problems.

I live “far away”; what do I do?

People have come from all over for MicroLaser. Once you are in the plane, you can go anywhere. My office is right near a major airport and numerous hotels and motels. The stay here is short, so you have to tough it out in southern California for just a few days

Is it same day surgery?

Yes, you are given the option of same-day or overnight. Older patients are advised to stay in the hospital

Would you have MicroLaser?

Yes, if I had what most of my patients have, I would have MicroLaser surgery.

Why do you recommend a brace after surgery?

It guards against your overdoing and screwing up my work

I want to know about the risks of lumbar spine surgery, can you help me?

Yes

Click on this link in english to get the risks pamphlet

Click on this link in spanish

What are the post-op instructions

Click on this link in english to download this pamphlet

Click on this link in spanish

Can you operate at more than one level at one operation?

Yes, I have operated multiple levels including thoracic and lumbar MicroLaser at one time.