Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Is Keyhole Surgery Right for You?

Back pain affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact daily life. While many cases respond to physiotherapy or medications, majority of patients require surgical intervention. In such cases, minimally invasive spine surgery (keyhole surgery) has emerged as a modern, patient-friendly solution that reduces recovery time, post-operative pain, and hospital stay.

At Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, our experienced neurosurgery team uses advanced techniques, including endoscopy/ microscopic, to deliver precise, personalised care for spine conditions.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) allows surgeons to access the spine through small incisions, compared to the large cuts used in traditional open surgery. Specialised instruments, cameras, and imaging guidance help target the affected area with minimal disruption to muscles and soft tissues.

Key benefits include:

• Smaller incisions with minimal scarring
• Reduced blood loss during surgery
• Minimal surgery site pain so patient can be mobilised in the same day
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recovery and return to daily activities
• Lower risk of post-operative infection

MIS is suitable for treating a range of spinal conditions, from herniated discs to spinal stenosis, while offering patients a safer and more comfortable recovery experience.

Who Can Benefit from Keyhole Spine Surgery?

Keyhole spine surgery is ideal for patients suffering from:

• Herniated or bulging discs – causing nerve compression, pain, or numbness
• Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal leading to leg pain or weakness
• Degenerative disc disease – chronic wear-and-tear of spinal discs
• Spinal fractures – due to trauma or osteoporosis

However, not all patients are suitable candidates. True selection of patient for MIS is of utmost importance. Wrong selection for keyhole can lead to incomplete neural decompression. A detailed evaluation by a spine specialist helps determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

Common Minimally Invasive Procedures

1. Microdiscectomy
   • Removes herniated disc material pressing on spinal nerves
   • Performed through a small incision using microscopic/ endoscopic instruments
   • Rapid recovery and minimal post-operative pain
2. Laminectomy
   • Removes part of the vertebra (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
   • Used to treat spinal stenosis or nerve compression
   • Preserves surrounding muscles, reducing recovery time
3. Spinal Fusion
   • Stabilises two or more vertebrae to reduce movement and pain
   • Can be performed minimally invasively using screws, rods, or cages
   • Often recommended for degenerative disc disease or spinal instability
4. Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty
   • Treats spinal fractures by injecting medical cement into the vertebra
   • Provides stability, reduces pain, and allows early mobilisation

Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, condition, and symptoms, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Advantages Over Traditional Open Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery offers several advantages over conventional surgery:

• Less Tissue Trauma: Muscles and ligaments are preserved
• Faster Recovery: Patients often resume light activities within days
• Reduced Pain: Smaller incisions and minimal tissue disruption lower post-op discomfort
• Lower Infection Risk: Smaller wounds reduce complications
• Better Cosmetic Outcomes: Minimal scarring and faster wound healing

At Fortis, advanced imaging and robotic navigation enhance precision, allowing neurosurgeons to perform even complex procedures safely.

The Surgical Process

Step 1: Pre-Operative Assessment

• Complete medical evaluation, including blood tests and imaging
• Detailed discussion of surgical options and expected outcomes
• Assessment of patient suitability for minimally invasive surgery

Step 2: The Procedure

• Small incisions (1–3 cm) are made near the affected area
• Specialised instruments and endoscopes guide the surgery
• Real-time imaging ensures accurate placement of screws or removal of disc tissue

Step 3: Post-Operative Care

• Pain management using medications and local anaesthesia techniques
• Early mobilisation with guidance from physiotherapists
• Regular monitoring in the hospital for 1–3 days

Step 4: Rehabilitation

• Tailored exercises to regain strength, flexibility, and posture
• Education on ergonomics and lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence

Recovery After Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Recovery depends on the type of procedure, patient health, and adherence to rehabilitation. Typical milestones include:

• Hospital Stay: Often 1–3 days depending on procedure
• Return to Light Activities: Within a few days
• Full Recovery: Usually within 4–6 weeks for simple procedures; complex fusion may take 3–6 months
• Physiotherapy: Key to restoring mobility, reducing stiffness, and strengthening back muscles

Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, maintain good posture, and follow prescribed exercises to ensure long-term spinal health.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Surgery is generally considered when:

• Conservative treatments (physiotherapy, medications, injections) fail to relieve symptoms
• Pain, numbness, or weakness interferes with daily life
• Progressive neurological deficits, such as difficulty walking or loss of hand function, are present
• Structural spinal issues require correction

A spine specialist at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh will guide patients in choosing between minimally invasive surgery and alternative options.

Lifestyle Tips for Long-Term Spine Health

Along with surgical treatment, patients are encouraged to adopt a spine-friendly lifestyle:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine
• Perform regular core-strengthening exercises
• Maintain proper posture when sitting, standing, or lifting objects.
• Use ergonomic furniture at work and home
• Avoid smoking and maintain overall cardiovascular health

These measures help prevent recurrence and support long-term recovery.

Multidisciplinary Spine Care at Fortis

Successful spine surgery often involves a team-based approach:

• Neurosurgeons/Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons: Perform precision surgery
• Physiotherapists: Guide post-operative rehabilitation
• Pain Management Specialists: Control discomfort and improve mobility
• Nutritionists: Support healing through diet
• Psychologists or Counsellors: Help cope with chronic pain and recovery stress

This comprehensive approach ensures that every patient receives personalised care from diagnosis to full recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is keyhole spine surgery safe?
Yes. With advanced imaging, robotic guidance, and experienced surgeons, minimally invasive spine surgery is highly safe and effective.

Q. How long does recovery take?
Hospital stays are shorter, often 1–3 days. Most patients resume light activities within days, with full recovery depending on the procedure (typically 4–6 weeks to a few months).

Q. Does keyhole surgery reduce post-operative pain?
Yes. Smaller incisions and minimal tissue disruption usually result in less pain than open surgery.

Q. Can everyone with back pain have minimally invasive surgery?
Not all patients are suitable. Eligibility depends on the spinal condition, its severity, and overall health. A specialist assessment is necessary.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a modern, precise, and patient-friendly solution for spinal conditions that do not respond to conservative care. By reducing tissue trauma, lowering complication risks, and enabling faster recovery, keyhole surgery allows patients to regain mobility and quality of life sooner.

At Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, our expert neurosurgery and spine care team provides advanced surgical solutions, personalised rehabilitation plans, and holistic support to help patients achieve optimal recovery. If chronic back pain or spinal issues are affecting your daily life, consulting our specialists can help determine whether minimally invasive spine surgery is right for you.