Lumbar surgery refers to any type of surgery in the lumbar spine or lower back. Lumbar surgery is often performed to treat compressed nerves in the lumbar spine caused due to spondylosis (a type of arthritis spur caused by wear and tear of the spine), herniated or slipped disc and spinal stenosis which is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, resulting in an increased pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. These spine conditions usually cause pain that are often described as sharp, numbness or tingling. Pain usually radiates from the back to the buttocks and the legs. Weakness of affected leg might be also present with inability to stand or walk for a long distance.
Microdecompression surgery of lumbar spine is usually performed through a small surgical incision by using microscope. The purpose is to access the affected part of spine in order to create more space within the spinal canal and remove the degenerative disc and bone spur. This procedure aims to alleviate the nerves from compressing pressure causing radiating leg pain and numbness. This procedure, however, may provide minimal benefits in patient with severe or chronic back pain due to unstable spine such as ‘spondylolisthesis’ or bone slip. In this group of patient, additional procedure of fusing the lumbar spine segment may also be needed to enhance the stability of the spine and at the same time to reduce back pain.
In the past, traditional surgery called open laminectomy was widely conducted via large surgical incision at the back to remove the lamina — the back part of a vertebra that covers the spinal canal. In order to access the affected part of the spine, the spine surgeon needs to make long incision in the back over the affected spine and dissect large part of the back muscles. The surgeon also removes the herniated portion of the disc and bony part of spine causing nerve compression. A metal screw is then inserted to stabilize the spine (Posterior pedicle screw fixation).
Biomechanic studies later indicate that 70-80% of the body weight is transferred to the frontal part of the lumbar spine which consists of bony part and disc in the middle. Therefore, to achieve better outcomes with improved spinal stability, fusion in the disc space (Interbody fusion) in which the disc is removed and replaced with spacer (filled with bone graft or bone substitute) should be performed concurrently with posterior pedicle screw fixation. The most commonly used technique is called open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion or open TLIF. During open TLIF with open incision, facet joints which are a set of joints between two adjacent vertebrae will be cut and the slipped or damaged intervertebral disc is removed. Then spinal fusion connecting two or more damaged vertebrae using spacer with bone grafts, metal rods and screws is done. Major drawback of open TLIF approach, however, is the extensive muscle dissection and retraction, leading to significant muscle injury, resulting in more postoperative back pain.
Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS TLIF) is a technique developed to make lumbar fusions less invasive compared to Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion or open TLIF, yielding more favorable results both intraoperatively and post operatively. MIS TLIF technique includes:
Minimally invasive interbody fusion (MIS fusion at disc space) can be done from the front (anterior- or ALIF ), the side of the body( lateral – or LLIF) or the back (posterior-or transforaminal TLIF). In contrast to ALIF and LLIF which requires the surgeon to adjust the position of the patient two times: (1) first supine/oblique position to fuse disc space then (2) second to a back position to place pedicle screws at the back, TLIF does not require repositioning of the patient since the patient already lay on his/her back. The entire TLIF procedures can thus be done without repositioning, resulting in shorter operative time and less intraoperative risks.
In conclusion, advantages of MIS TLIF procedure over traditional spine surgery include smaller incision resulting in less pain, less muscle disruption, less blood loss (no blood transfusion require) and fewer postoperative complications including lower infection rates. Patients undergo MIS TLIF require less pain medications than those who have traditional surgery. In addition, MIS TLIF allows patients a faster recovery time, quick return to daily life and often an ability to stand and walk the following day.
MIS TLIF largely helps to improve surgical outcomes and patient safety. However, preferred surgical technique might vary among individuals, depending on different conditions. More importantly, MIS TLIF should be performed by highly experienced spine surgeons supported by advanced technology, including microscope, the O-arm imaging system, navigator system and minimally invasive tubular retractor system as well as percutaneous pedicle screws and rods. In order to achieve the best possible outcomes, patients should receive treatments provided by expert specialists in certified hospital.
Source: https://www.bangkokinternationalhospital.com/health-articles/disease-treatment/mis-tlif