minimally invasive micro surgery for spinal disorders

  
  Do you have a facility/staff/etc for performing minimally invasive micro surgery for spinal disorders? If so, who are these staff and what is their experience? For example: How long have these microsurgeries been done?
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Dear Joanne,
Minimally invasive surgery is all the rage these days.  The concept of doing surgery through smaller ports and catheters that often result in
smaller wounds and shorter hospital stays is intriguing.  The insurance companies are certainly interested.
Minimally invasive surgery in the spine has been around for a few years, though a specific date does not come to mind.  Mostly, these techniques are used for discectomies.  When it comes to discectomies, the truth is that a simple lumbar disc can be removed with a 3 cm. incision and the surgeon is able to see the anatomy and decompress the bone in the foramen, if necessary.  To this point, the minimally invasive techniques cannot provide the versatility of the open procedure in many cases, though it is useful if the disc alone is the issue.  For these reasons, some surgeons do not routinely use such techniques arguing that the open procedure uses a small incision, provides excellent exposure and the patient is often able to go home the same day.  Herein lies the controversy.
Dr. Kalfas and Dr. Bingaman are the primary spine surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic.  They have seen and done the minimally invasive procedures but usually prefer the open procedure for the stated reasons above.  
You may choose to be seen by a spine surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic by calling 800-223-2273.  Ask the operator for the neurosurgery scheduling secretary.
Good luck.