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Stanford Health Care

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Our Approach to Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is a distinct surgical approach that combines a unique philosophy of care with advanced surgical techniques. Because it uses small incisions and state-of-the-art techniques and technology, MISS is highly effective and less damaging to surrounding tissues than traditional surgery. Patients typically experience less pain, heal faster, and have fewer complications.

Our skilled surgeons offer MISS for a wide range of spine conditions. We personalize care to your needs and preferences to achieve the best possible results.

What We Offer You for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

  • Specialized expertise in minimally invasive surgical procedures for spine disorders, including degenerative conditions, spine deformities, spine tumors, and more
  • Advanced treatments using the latest techniques and technology to improve symptoms, speed recovery, and lower the risk of complications
  • A multispecialty team that works together to make treatment precise, coordinated, and effective while offering personalized support
  • Follow-up care to support you after surgery and help you heal faster so you can get back to your life

INTERESTED IN AN ONLINE SECOND OPINION?

The Stanford Medicine Online Second Opinion program offers you easy access to our world-class doctors. It’s all done remotely, and you don’t have to visit our hospital or one of our clinics for this service. You don’t even need to leave home!

Visit our online second opinion page to learn more.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

About Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is an alternative to open spine surgery for many spine conditions. MISS harnesses the most advanced surgical techniques and technologies available today. Surgeons make small incisions–typically less than one inch–and insert tools to perform the procedure, including:

  • Tubal retractors- rigid, narrow tubes to access deep tissue
  • Microscopes that provide a magnified view of the surgical area
  • Surgical instruments to perform delicate procedures
  • Spinal hardware when necessary to provide stability and support to your spine
  • Endoscopes- thin tubes with cameras at the end through which specialized instruments can be employed

Detailed imaging, robotic platforms, and high-tech surgical systems guide our surgeons and help them perform procedures safely and accurately.

In MISS, the surgeon carefully moves aside tissues to reach the affected area. Because the damage to surrounding areas is minimal, patients typically have:

  • Fewer complications
  • Less pain
  • Quicker recovery
  • Smaller, less visible scars

Our Clinics

Stanford Medicine Spine Center

Our surgeons are committed to excellence in spine surgery. If you are considering whether minimally invasive spine surgery is right for you, we are here to help you understand your options and provide information to support your decision-making process.

Stanford Medicine Spine Center
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MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FIND A DOCTOR OR PROVIDER
Make An Appointment

To make an appointment with a minimally invasive spine surgeon, please call 650-725-1125, or schedule a callback.

What to Expect During Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

MISS involves using specialized tools and techniques to treat conditions that affect the spine. Learn more about what to expect with MISS.

  • Before

  • During

  • After

Before MISS

Our team thoroughly explains the procedure and risks and answers any questions you have. Before surgery, you undergo a series of tests, including spine imaging. You may also have blood tests and an electrocardiogram to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. You’ll receive detailed instructions to prepare you for surgery, such as:

  • Whether you should discontinue any medications or supplements before your procedure
  • What you can eat and drink the night before and day of surgery

During MISS

You receive anesthesia so that you don’t feel pain during surgery. We typically use general anesthesia, which allows you to sleep during the procedure.

In some cases, spine surgery under local anesthesia, also known as awake spine surgery, is performed, offering many benefits. At this time, local anesthesia is only offered by Dr. Todd Alamin.

Awake surgery has many benefits, including:

  • Eliminates the risk of side effects from general anesthesia, which can cause postoperative confusion, nausea, and even pneumonia and other rare health events
  • Reduces the need for postoperative pain medication
  • Shortens hospital stay (many patients go home the same day)

There are many types of MISS procedures. Your surgeon may access your spine through small incisions in your back, chest, abdomen, or side. Intraoperative imaging helps guide the procedure. We may also perform the surgery using a robotic platform or similar state-of-the-art surgical system. These advanced tools allow for superior precision and safety.

After MISS

After the procedure, we close your incisions with stitches or glue and cover them with surgical tape or bandages. We transfer you to a postsurgical area for observation. Depending on the type of surgery, you may go home that day or spend several days in the hospital.

Complete recovery takes time. Your surgeon will tell you what to expect and what follow-up care you need, such as physical therapy. Our team is here for you if you have any problems or questions.

Before

Before MISS

Our team thoroughly explains the procedure and risks and answers any questions you have. Before surgery, you undergo a series of tests, including spine imaging. You may also have blood tests and an electrocardiogram to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. You’ll receive detailed instructions to prepare you for surgery, such as:

  • Whether you should discontinue any medications or supplements before your procedure
  • What you can eat and drink the night before and day of surgery

close Before
During

During MISS

You receive anesthesia so that you don’t feel pain during surgery. We typically use general anesthesia, which allows you to sleep during the procedure.

In some cases, spine surgery under local anesthesia, also known as awake spine surgery, is performed, offering many benefits. At this time, local anesthesia is only offered by Dr. Todd Alamin.

Awake surgery has many benefits, including:

  • Eliminates the risk of side effects from general anesthesia, which can cause postoperative confusion, nausea, and even pneumonia and other rare health events
  • Reduces the need for postoperative pain medication
  • Shortens hospital stay (many patients go home the same day)

There are many types of MISS procedures. Your surgeon may access your spine through small incisions in your back, chest, abdomen, or side. Intraoperative imaging helps guide the procedure. We may also perform the surgery using a robotic platform or similar state-of-the-art surgical system. These advanced tools allow for superior precision and safety.


close During
After

After MISS

After the procedure, we close your incisions with stitches or glue and cover them with surgical tape or bandages. We transfer you to a postsurgical area for observation. Depending on the type of surgery, you may go home that day or spend several days in the hospital.

Complete recovery takes time. Your surgeon will tell you what to expect and what follow-up care you need, such as physical therapy. Our team is here for you if you have any problems or questions.


close After