Laser Spine Surgery

Our endoscopic spinal procedures are highly-effective, minimally-invasive alternatives to open back surgery. They involve using cutting-edge laser technology instead of traditional surgical tools, which can reduce recovery time, pain, bleeding, and scarring.

LASTING RELIEF… WITHOUT TRADITIONAL SURGERY.

Many of our patients specifically request endoscopic laser spine surgery – and with good reason.

Using laser energy via an endoscopic approach is associated with a host of benefits, including:

Quick recovery
Minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue and muscles
Minimally-invasive, outpatient procedure
Small incisions
Safe + effective alternative to open back surgery
Less post-surgical pain and blood loss

WHAT IS LASER SPINE SURGERY?

Traditional open spine surgery involves making an incision through the skin. The muscles are then dissected and stripped away from the vertebra to expose the spinal pathology. This approach can theoretically damage the surrounding soft tissues, and may result in increased pain, blood loss, and recovery time.

Endoscopic laser spine surgery is vastly different. With this approach, a small incision just large enough to admit a pen-sized cannula is made. Special tools are then used to tunnel to the spinal pathology using fluoroscopic guidance. This approach minimizes the trauma to the surrounding muscles. In addition, minimal-to-no-damage to the bony anatomy is created. A specific medical laser is then used to precisely remove and/or repair damaged disc tissue. The laser leaves virtually no scar and causes minimal damage to surrounding soft tissues.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH A LASER?

Lasers are not appropriate or ideal for all spine surgeries.

In fact, they are only suitable in certain instances, for example when we need to:

Remove bone, soft tissue, and other structures that are compressing your nerves
Shrink herniated disc material

Speak With A Specialist

Visit one of our New York locations.

THE PROCEDURES

At Long Island Spine Specialists, we offer two primary laser spine surgery options – one to address disc issues and one to treat arthritis.

Here’s an overview of these procedures:

Laser facet joint nerve ablation

Laser spine surgery is ideal for our patients with chronic pain due to arthritis in the spine.

To begin, we will create a small incision at the site of the arthritic facet joints. An endoscope is inserted in order to visualize the tiny nerves which innervate these joints. When these nerves are isolated, the laser is used to ablate or deaden these nerves. This decreases the pain from the arthritis without damaging the structure of the spine. It is also achieved a long term reduction in pain without the chronic use of injections or medications.

Laser disc decompression

Endoscopic Laser disc decompression is a minimally-invasive procedure that can be done under local anesthesia. It involves inserting an endoscope into the ruptured or injured disc using fluoroscopic guidance. The laser energy is used to ablate the offending disc tissue and decompress the nerve compression which is the cause of the pain.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR ENDOSCOPIC LASER SPINE SURGERY?

We can confirm your candidacy for endoscopic laser spine surgery during your initial consultation at our Long Island office after we have performed a full physical examination and review of imaging studies. Further studies may be needed to determine the extent and severity of your condition.

However, we generally recommend a minimally-invasive laser approach for patients who:

Suffer from spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, sciatica, or other acute or chronic spinal conditions
Can’t work, exercise, or engage in daily activities due to their condition
Have exhausted conservative treatments – including physical therapy and medication and/or injections

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY PROVIDERS

Spine Surgeons

Dr. Thomas Dowling

Dr. Laurence Mermelstein

Dr. Hargovind DeWal

Dr. Sushil Basra

Dr. Christopher Frendo

Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.

Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.

Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.