Question 1

how safe is laser spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Why: Laser spine surgery carries with it the same dangers as conventional spine surgery. The real question is are there advantages of laser spine surgery over conventional spine surgery. According to a paper by the mayo clinic laser spine surgery does not provide any advantage over conventional spine surgery. There are no independent studies that have confirmed the benefits of the laser spine surgery over conventional spine surgery. Additionally there in the next the tremendous expense of laser spine surgery that cost approximately 2 to 3 times that of conventional.

Question 2

arelasersused in spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Lasers are certainly used in spine surgery but are rarely really needed or beneficial over standard minimally invasive techniques.  Their main benefit is in tumor/cancer surgeries.  In most other cases they have not been shown to have any benefit at all over other minimally invasive spine surgery methods.

Question 3

is laser spine surgery effective and safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes and yes: When indicated and on the hands of an experienced surgeon.

Question 4

what are the negative and positive aspects of laser spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Uncertain: Most spine surgeries have risks and benefits, most often based upon peer reviewed literature. Most facilities that offer these "laser" procedures should discuss such risks. As a reconstructive spinal surgeon, I have seen patients treated in these facilities who report acceptable pain relief.  I have also performed major revision surgery for bad outcomes from laser surgery.

Question 5

can you tell me the recovery time for endoscopic laser spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Short: Recovery to full mobility is rather quick less than a week. This is much faster than prior techniques which were more invasive.

Question 6

what are the advantages and disadvantages of the endoscopic laser spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: Most spine surgeries have risks and benefits, most often based upon peer reviewed literature.  "laser" spine procedures are promoted to cause less pain due to minimal incision lengths. I have seen patients treated in these facilities who do report pain relief, but also I have revised bad outcomes from laser surgery. Talk to your doctor and check credentials via abms. (www.Abms.Org).

Question 7

i had back pain and it ruins my life. i was thinking to have a laser spine surgery. thoughts?

Accepted Answer

Be careful....: I have a car, and it is drives slow on the highway, & stalls frequently, i'm thinking of going to change my front tires. Thoughts? "laser spine surgery" only havs limited application, as laser is a tool just like all the other tools we use in surgery. There is no one tool that takes care of all problems. Run fast if anyone tells you otherwise. Changing a tire will not fix all problems my car has.

Question 8

what are my limitations after laser spine surgery? how long will i be in hospital?

Accepted Answer

Doctor: Talk with your surgeon. They can tell you the limitations and expectations, if you undergo a procedure. They should also inform you on where the procedure is done, since many of the "laser" procedures are done in various type of treatment facilities. If done in an outpatient setting, verify that the surgeon has admitting privileges at a nearby hospital in case overnight care is required.

Question 9

should i go skydiving after spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: It depends a lot on what surgery you have and how badly you want to jump.  The problem is in landing can cause a lot of impact on the spine.  If you have a healed spine after surgery and it is very stable, it should be ok.  However, the more often you put impacts on the spine, the more it will be prone to further problems down the road.

Question 10

is it okay to masturbate after spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Once you are pain free from your spinal surgery

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How safe is laser spine surgery?

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Arelasersused in spine surgery?

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Is laser spine surgery effective and safe?

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What are the negative and positive aspects of laser spine surgery?

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Can you tell me the recovery time for endoscopic laser spine surgery?

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of the endoscopic laser spine surgery?

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I had back pain and it ruins my life. i was thinking to have a laser spine surgery. thoughts?

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What are my limitations after laser spine surgery? how long will i be in hospital?

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Should i go skydiving after spine surgery?

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Is it okay to masturbate after spine surgery?

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