What Is Minimally Invasive?

Understanding the differences between non-invasive, minimally invasive, and invasive medical procedures for back surgery.

Non-invasive Methods
A medical procedure in which there is no break in the skin. Examples of non-invasive methods would be taking one’s pulse, temperature, or blood pressure. Also, an examination of the eye, oral cavity, or abdominal examination would also be considered a non-invasive procedure.

Minimally Invasive Procedures
A medical procedure that is less invasive than open surgery. In other words, when there is minimal damage to one’s tissues (skin or otherwise) when the instrument is used, it can be considered minimally invasive. Examples would include the use of endoscopic devices, which result in shorter hospital stays or even allow for outpatient treatment.

How Minimally Invasive Differs From Invasive
Because minimally invasive methods make use of a minimal incision, there is less scarring and less recovery time. Surgeons typically make a cut in the skin the majority of the length of the area of concern. With the minimally invasive technique the incision is typically 1/10 the size of traditional invasive surgery.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedures
Benefits of minimally invasive procedures include less trauma to the patient, less pain, and less scarring. Because of this, it leads to a faster recovery and a smaller chance of post-surical complications.

For people with back pain, the best solution is to stay simple. Exercise regularly and find a specific exercise program that works for you. Only when one experiences severe, chronic pain (over a long period of time) is it recommended that one seek more aggressive tactics like minimally invasive surgery. You can find out more information about minimally invasive procedures at the website zerospinepain.com.

Tags: Back Pain, Minimally Invasive Spine Institute