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Laser Spine Institute

The Laser Spine Institute, the premier health care provider in spinal surgery, is having tremendous success with endoscopic spinal procedures. A wide variety of laser-assisted techniques for the treatment of spinal conditions such as sciatica, pinched nerves, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal), foraminal stenosis (a narrowing of where the nerve exits the spinal canal which is called the foramen), arthritis, herniated discs and bone spurs are performed at the Laser Spine Institute.

Laser Spine Procedures

What makes LSI's procedures unique is that they are performed under a local anesthetic in conjunction with IV sedation. The patient is awake but comfortable during the procedure. No longer are large incisions and hospitalizations required. Patients come in, have their surgery and walk out within hours.

Arthroscopy has been used on the knee and shoulders since the early 1970s. The Laser Spine Institute is applying the same principles to the back and neck. The steps in this procedure are easy on the patient and allow the surgeon to accomplish more without the damage caused by traditional open back surgery. After deep IV sedation, a local anesthetic is administered to the area of the patient's back where the work is being done. An intravenous catheter is placed so that light sedation, medication and fluids can be administered.

The laser spine procedure requires only one four-millimeter incision at the surface. Smaller incisions eliminate additional trauma associated with cuts through muscle and other tissue. A small hollow tube, about the circumference of a drinking straw, is then inserted into the incision. A series of Johnson and Johnson translucent tubes are placed one at a time over the first tube to slowly dilate the skin and muscle without having to tear or cut it. The last tube or “working tube” is 18 millimeters in diameter and once it is in place the other tubes are removed. Now a fiber optic camera with a 50X magnification view and any other instruments needed are guided down this tube to give the surgeon an up close look at the affected area.

The patient is awake but sedated throughout the procedure allowing for continued communication with the doctor and staff. The surgeon will ask the patient questions to confirm that that the pain is gone and the nerve is free, sending adequate impulses. Throughout the procedure the anesthesiologist is sitting with the patient, monitoring his/her vital signs and administering medication and intravenous fluids as needed. A surgical technician stands by the surgeon to hand him the instruments he needs. A circulating nurse is present to coordinate everyone on the Operating Room team, communicate with the patient and keep the room temperature comfortable.

The average spine procedure lasts about 60 minutes. When the surgeon is sure that the nerve is free and everything is completed, he removes the tube to let the tissue and muscle go back to their natural position. The last tube is gently removed and a stitch or two is put into the tiny surgical site. The patient is wheeled into the post anesthesia care area where their vital signs are monitored, medications are given as needed and some light refreshments can be enjoyed. Within one hour after the surgery, patients are up and walking around. Soon after, they are discharged home or to their hotel.

The next day the patient returns for a check-up. An epidural injection may be given to reduce swelling and increase range of motion. Physical therapy is often recommended. Physical therapy consists of a series of stretching exercises, walking, ice or heat, gentle electronic stimulation and a nice relaxing massage. Each patient is given an instruction booklet so therapy can be continued at home.

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 daysOver the weeks and months to come, you will see gradual and continuous improvement as the nerves and tissues heal. When you have a spine injury with nerve involvement, your muscles do not get the impulse, causing your muscles to atrophy. Nerves regenerate at the rate of approximately one inch per month, as it regenerates, nerve impulse will strengthen. That impulse is what allows your muscles to contract and stay strong. With time and exercise, your body can repair that damage, get stronger and you can gradually increase your list of activities.

Warm and friendly medical personnel are waiting for you at the Laser Spine Institute. They are well trained in every discipline that your care requires. You and your spine ailments are all we treat; you are our specialty. From the moment you enter the Laser Spine Institute, you will feel the compassion, respect and caring professionalism of our physicians and staff. The Laser Spine Institute is truly revolutionizing the treatment of spinal disorders.

The Laser Spine Institute provides minimally invasive procedures to combat spinal and nerve conditions, often times the cause of neck and back pain. Treatment options include Foraminotomy, Percutaneous Discectomy, Facet Thermal Ablation and Fusion alternatives. These procedures are offered to treat such spinal conditions as back pain, herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, arthritis of the spine, bone spurs, pinched nerves, foraminal stenosis, spinal stenosis, facet disease and sciatica.