Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery treats complicated neurological conditions using the most advanced approaches. At the NeuroSpine Center in Tampa, Florida, elite neurosurgeon Phillip Henkin, MD, is the area’s most experienced minimally invasive spine surgery specialist. Dr. Henkin’s minimally invasive surgical approaches lead to less hospital time, less bleeding, faster recovery, and an unparalleled record of excellent patient outcomes. Book a consultation today using online scheduling or call the office.

What is minimally invasive spine surgery?

In minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr. Henkin performs complex procedures to correct problems in the lower, middle, and upper spine using incisions less than an inch long.

Minimally invasive approaches have revolutionized spine surgery over the last 25 years, and Dr. Henkin has been a leader in that innovation.

He’s the most experienced minimally invasive spine surgeon in the Tampa area. He’s one of a select few who are genuine minimally invasive spine surgery specialists. Dr. Henkin performs 95% of his spine surgeries using minimally invasive techniques.

I’m having minimally invasive spine surgery. What can I expect?

Before your surgery, Dr. Henkin explains the procedure, preparation requirements, and what you can expect on the day of the procedure.

During surgery, he makes a short incision. He uses a retractor to spread the muscles around your spine apart instead of cutting through them. This gives him direct access to your spine.

Dr. Henkin inserts special surgical tools, including a microscopic camera, through the incisions. He views the surgical area in detail as he repairs damage, removes tissue, or rebuilds damaged parts of your spine.

Dr. Henkin uses the robotic StealthStation™ S8 surgical navigation system to perform incredibly precise spinal surgeries. Common minimally invasive spine surgeries are:

• Discectomy: trimming or removing a herniated disc
• Spinal decompression: removing bones or tissues causing nerve compression
• Spinal fusion: connecting two vertebrae for spine stabilization
• Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty: restoring a collapsed vertebra

While many procedures approach the spine from the back, Dr. Henkin also uses other approaches, including oblique (side incision) or anterior (abdominal incision) fusions, when they’re the best method for the patient.

After surgery, you can rest and recover in the comfort of your own home.

What are the advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery? 

Traditional spine surgery requires large incisions and extensive cutting into the tissues around the spine. This is followed by a long and often difficult recovery. With minimally invasive spine surgery, advantages include:

• Smaller incisions
• Less time in the hospital
• Lower risk of infection
• Reduced scarring
• Less blood loss
• Better physical function after surgery
• Much shorter recovery periods

At the NeuroSpine Center, Dr. Henkin has earned a reputation as Tampa’s best minimally invasive spine surgeon. Call the office now or click the online scheduler to learn how he can help you.