I'm Nervous About My Upcoming Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Should I Be?

Your minimally invasive spine surgery gets scheduled. But as the date gets closer, you find yourself feeling more and more nervous about the procedure. You might be wondering if it’s really the best option — and we’re here to help ease your fears.

First, know that it’s completely normal to feel nervous before surgery. However, knowing what to expect and the benefits of minimally invasive techniques can help calm your nerves ahead of your procedure.

Dr. David A. Wiles is a board-certified neurosurgeon with decades of experience in minimally invasive spine surgery. Minimally invasive methods offer distinct advantages over traditional open surgery, including faster recovery, less pain, and smaller incisions. Here’s what you need to gain more confidence before your procedure.

The benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery

Dr. Wiles offers minimally invasive spine surgery to address a variety of different spinal conditions, like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease, all without the need for large incisions.

Traditional open spine surgery often involves cutting through muscle and tissue, which leads to longer recovery times and more postoperative pain. In contrast, minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions, specialized tools, and advanced imaging to target the affected area and protect more surrounding tissue.

This approach offers several key benefits, including:

• Less pain
• Faster recovery
• Shorter hospital stay
• Lower risk of complications

Minimally invasive spine surgery minimizes disruption to muscles and tissues, which means people typically experience less pain after surgery. Smaller incisions mean quicker healing that helps you return to your daily life and activities sooner.

Many minimally invasive spine procedures are performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay, which means you are back home in no time. Finally, the precision of minimally invasive techniques decreases the chances of infection, scarring, and other complications that arise from more extensive surgery. 

What to expect from your minimally invasive spine surgery

Before your procedure, Dr. Wiles and our team walk you through every aspect of the procedure, from preoperative preparation to postoperative care. We ensure you’re fully informed and take the time to answer any questions or address any concerns.

We give you a detailed recovery plan tailored to your needs to help you prepare. Many patients are surprised by how quickly they recover from minimally invasive spine surgery. Depending on the complexity of your condition, you may be able to return to light activities within a few days, with a full recovery taking just a few weeks.

Your procedure takes place in our on-site ambulatory surgery center, and it may take up to a few hours, depending on the complexity of your procedure. We monitor you for a period after surgery is complete. We provide ongoing support to ensure you’re healing and on track to resume your usual life once you recover at home.

You are in good hands with Dr. Wiles

Dr. Wiles has been performing minimally invasive spine surgeries since 1997, bringing cutting-edge care to patients in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and surrounding communities. He’s a board-certified neurosurgeon, has trained under internationally recognized spine surgeons, and has contributed significantly to the field.

Dr. Wiles prides himself on delivering personalized care to every patient. His approach combines expertise, attention to detail, and compassion to ensure you’re well informed and supported throughout the surgical process.

If you’re feeling anxious about your upcoming surgery, remember that minimally invasive techniques minimize risk and maximize results. And with Dr. Wiles, you’re receiving care from a highly skilled neurosurgeon dedicated to improving your quality of life with the latest surgical advancements.

Have more questions? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Wiles to learn more about your options. Call our office at 423-459-9800 or book online now.