Minimally invasive surgery for herniated discs
This type of surgery is performed to treat a herniated disc, which occurs when the nucleus pulposus (inner, jelly-like part) of the intervertebral disc herniates through the outer wall of the disc. Minimally invasive surgery involves making small incisions in the skin and using specialized instruments, such as endoscopes and microscopes, to access the affected area. The goal is to remove or decompress the herniated material that is pressing on the spinal nerves, thereby relieving pain and other associated symptoms.
Endoscopic surgery
Endoscopic surgery involves the use of an endoscope, a thin tube with a camera on the end, which is inserted through small incisions in the body to visualize and perform procedures inside the body. This approach allows surgeries to be performed with less trauma to surrounding tissues, generally resulting in shorter recovery times and less post-operative pain. It is widely used in areas such as the spine, joints, abdominal organs, among others.
Cancer surgery
Surgery is one of the treatment modalities used to treat cancer, along with radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapies. The goal of oncologic surgery is to remove the entire malignant tumor, as well as any affected surrounding tissue or involved lymph nodes, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery can be curative, palliative (to relieve symptoms) or preventive (to reduce the risk of cancer in people at high genetic risk).
Nerve decompression surgery
This type of surgery is performed to relieve pressure on spinal or peripheral nerves that may be compressed due to conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc or abnormal bone growth. During surgery, pieces of bone, herniated discs or spinal tissue that are putting pressure on the nerves may be removed. The goal is to relieve pain, numbness, weakness and other symptoms associated with nerve compression.
Spinal instrumentation surgery
Spinal instrumentation involves the use of devices such as screws, rods, plates or intervertebral cages to stabilize the spine after surgery. These devices are placed to maintain proper alignment of the vertebrae or to support bone grafts in cases of spinal fusion. Instrumentation helps facilitate proper healing and provide structural support to the spine.
Deformity surgery
Surgery for spinal deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis, involves correcting abnormal curvature of the spine that may be present from birth (congenital) or develop throughout life (acquired). Depending on the severity of the deformity, surgery may include the placement of implants to straighten and stabilize the spine, as well as spinal fusion to maintain the correction.
Vertebral augmentative surgery
Also known as spinal augmentation surgery, it refers to surgical procedures designed to restore the height of vertebrae that have decreased due to disc degeneration, compression fractures or diseases such as osteoporosis. This is accomplished by using bone grafts or devices such as intervertebral cages filled with bone material to increase vertebral height and stabilize the spine.
Surgery for chronic low back pain
When chronic low back pain does not respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, analgesics or injections, surgery may be considered as an option. Surgical procedures for chronic low back pain may include nerve decompression, spinal fusion, stabilization with instrumentation or even replacement of damaged discs.
Damaged disc replacement surgery
In cases of degenerative disc disease or severe injuries, where the intervertebral discs have lost their function and are causing significant pain, disc replacement may be considered. During this surgery, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial implant designed to restore disc height and maintain spinal mobility in that specific area.
These types of surgery are important therapeutic options to address various medical conditions affecting the spine and nervous system, and their application depends on the detailed evaluation of each case by specialized medical professionals.
