Minimally invasive decompression

In the field of spinal surgery, traditional surgical dissections with prolonged postoperative recoveries are being replaced by less invasive procedures that allow for quicker recovery. These procedures use smaller incisions and take advantage of specialized retractors thus requiring less soft tissue dissection and retraction. The advantages of decreased operative blood loss, decreased postoperative recovery, and decreased infection rates must be weighed against the learning curve associated with minimally invasive techniques, the increased risk of inadequate decompression, the longer operative times, and the increased radiation exposure. Preoperative planning, judicious use of intraoperative imaging, good understanding of the relevant surgical anatomy, and careful technique are keys to lessening the impact of the learning curve and minimizing the chance for complications.