Minimally invasive XLIF and DLIF is a combined procedure used to achieve spinal fusion in patients with significant instability of the spine. This instability can be caused by fracturing, disease, degenerative discs and other problems. It is minimally invasive, which means that patients enjoy shorter recovery times and there is less trauma to soft tissues in the back. The procedure can be used to place interbody cages within the disc space, to install plates and screws or to remove entire vertebras if necessary. To find out if this procedure is a good fit for your condition, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling Call407-303-5452.
How Does Minimally Invasive XLIF and DLIF Work?
This treatment option offers less invasion than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Chetan Patel will make a small lateral incision in the side of the back, rather than making a large incision directly over the spine. Through this incision, Dr. Patel will insert micro-tools and graduated dilators to perform the surgery. The dilators open a path between the muscles, rather than requiring that the surgeon cut through them.
What Can This Procedure Offer Patients?
One of the most interesting things about minimally invasive XLIF and DLIF is that it can be used to treat a tremendously broad range of conditions. For instance, Dr. Patel can perform a laminectomy and remove a diseased disc, install spine stabilizing hardware or remove a diseased vertebra. However, the procedure is also used to help correct spinal deformities, like scoliosis and kyphosis. Finally, it can be combined with additional procedures, including interspinous fusion to meet specific goals in terms of spine health improvement.
The benefits offered include elimination of back pain from spinal compression, greater stability and strength in the spine through fusion techniques and the circumvention of dangerous symptoms in advanced compression and spine diseases, including loss of bowel control and motor function.
The Key
The key to minimally invasive XLIF and DLIF is the real-time neurological monitoring combined with x-ray visualization utilized throughout the procedure. This provides Dr. Patel with ongoing, constant information about tool placement, patient condition and other factors that impinge on the success of the surgery and can create trauma within the patient’s back.
Recovery Information for Patients
Minimally invasive surgeries provide drastically reduced recovery times. In many instances, patients are able to go home the same day, or a single day after the procedure. In addition, they are able to return to their normal routines more quickly than those who undergo traditional open surgeries. However, patients will have to adhere to the specified rehabilitation and exercise schedule given them on discharge, as well as ensuring they make all follow up visits.
Not all patients will be a good fit for this type of minimally invasive surgery. It can only be used from T5-6 through L4-5 and not at L5-S1 because of the latter’s unique anatomy. To determine if this procedure is right for you, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health for a full consultation by calling Call407-303-5452.