Dr Kenneth P Burres says....

Minimally Invasive Spine Procedure

Advantages and Disadvantages

Overall comparison to MicroLaser

MicroLaser Spine surgery by Dr Burres

1. Long time experience with proven results and done under direct vision for accuracy and safety
2. Uses the Holmium laser for accurate soft tissue ablation
3. Multiple levels can be done at the same time with safety
4. Preserves important stabilizing structures for good long-term results without fusions
5. Prompt rehabilitation
6. Available for cervical, thoracic and lumbar disc-related problems including stenosis and failed backs

1. Minimally invasive with a small incision per level
2. Does not interfere with stability-- so NO fusion
3. Fast recovery
4. Leaves normal disc so you have normal disc for the future
5. Minimal scar because the laser stops bleeding and the start of scar is bleeding left behind
6. An excellent treatment for stenosis and spurring
7. Check the testimonials!

Arthroscopic discectomy

procedure uses an orthopedic device also used for knee surgery. Uses instruments for the surgery and the laser as a small part. Often “sold” as laser surgery but is only “partly” laser. This procedure has a very hard time with stenosis in the canal and exits. Biggest problem is that it is TOO minimal to take care of a lot of the MRI problems discovered

1. Minimally invasive but can leave behind a lot of “things wrong” including disc and spurs
2. Not very effective for exit foraminal stenosis

Percutaneous Lumbar Laser Discectomy

Placing a laser fiber into a disc to deflate it

Not covered by many insurance plans anymore because results are dismal

Percutaneous lumbar discal nucleoplasty

Placing a device into a disc to “fix it”

Generally ineffective except minimal bulging discs

IDET

Placing a heating coil into a disc

Generally ineffective short and long term. Used by pain centers and often called disc surgery

MED (Micro Endoscoptic Discectomy)

Disc surgery using special retractors to keep the incision small

Small portal to work through so a lot of problems can be left behind. Not very popular