19 Harley St, London, W1G 9QJ, UK

Open Spinal Surgery

We also do Open Spinal Surgery

Open Spinal Surgery

Open Spinal Surgery is sometimes unavoidable.

For conditions such as Scoliosis, Spinal Cancer and other extensive conditions, there is sometimes no alternative than open spinal surgery. However, we believe that spinal surgery outcomes are related to the amount of damage caused to muscles and other supporting structures of the spine. Our specialists are experts in soft tissue preservation surgery.

During Open spinal surgery, the surgeon must ensure that  important tissues that stabilise the spine are not damaged. Often, ligaments, joint capsules, facet joints and other supporting structures are damaged during traditional spinal surgery. The damage to these structures leads to spinal instability and long term back pain. Although an operation may be considered successful in achieving its aim, the spine stability can be compromised and leave a patient with chronic back pain.

At The London Spine Unit, our surgeons are highly trained and understand the importance of spinal stability. They have specialist training in Orthopaedics which gives them a thorugh understanding of spine mechanics.

A discectomy involves the cutting away or removal of discs anywhere along the spine. The procedure can be a solution to any painful condition that causes the discs to bulge or protrude.

Our preferred method for performing a discectomy at the Harley Street spine unit is through the use of a laser. We have been harnessing the latest advancements in medical technology to carry out Laser Discectomies for many years because it poses less risk to sensitive surrounding tissues, blood vessels and nerves. As such, the procedure offers a greater chance of a successful outcome for the thousands of patients who visit our specialist back unit every year.

As a surgical treatment, Laser Discectomy offers great flexibility too. Whether the problem exists in the larger areas of the lower or mid back or the more restricted and sensitive area of neck, where it is common for the whole disc to be removed and replaced with an artificial substitute, lasers help our surgeons to quickly target and eliminate the core of the problem.

Our approach to treatment is always conservative first, in which case we will recommend a combination of medication and therapies such as osteopathy or physiotherapy to help improve symptoms while the body naturally recovers. Laser Discectomy, being friendlier to the body than conventional discectomy, would be our next port of call should any conservative treatment fail to bring improvements in a patient’s condition.

We are always striving to ensure we provide our patients with the best diagnosis, treatment and care possible, pre-, post and peri-op.

The London Spine Unit provides a second opinion service.

Open Spinal Surgery FAQ

In some conditions such as scoliosis, Spinal Tumours or complex spinal trauma, open spinal surgery is a necessity. Howvere in most spinal surgery cases, keyhole surgery can be performed.

Better view during surgery, less risk of damaging nerves due to direct visibility, easier to insert implants, less stretching of skin, easier to remove tumoursinfection, less pain

Higher risk of infection, greater blood loss, longer recovery time, more post operative pain, longer operative time, less use of XRAY

It depends on the skill of the surgeon. Keyhole spinal surgery requires a great amount of skill because the surgeon relies on imaging and an indepth knowledge of the anatomy without direct visualisation.

Keyhole and endoscopic spinal surgery requires specialised equipment and may cost more than open spinal surgery. It depends however on the complexity of surgery and Implant costs.

In some conditions such as Tumours, Scoliosis or major trauma open spinal surgery is a necessity, however in most conditions involving degenerate discs, keyhole spinal surgery is a better option. You should get a second opinion if you are unsure about the best treatment for your spinal condition

Specialist Doctors

Consultant Spine Surgeon
Consultant Spine Surgeon
Consultant Spine Surgeon
Treatment of all spinal disorders

The London Spine Unit specialises in Minimally Invasive Treatments allowing rapid recovery and return to normal function.

UK's Leading Spine Surgeon

Mr Mo Akmal has developed revolutionary techniques to perform Day Case Spinal Surgery. We avoid traditional General Anaesthetic for all surgery.

Trusted by patients worldwide

The London Spine Unit provides the highest quality care to all patients and has VIP services for those seeking exceptional services.

What our patients say ...

Open Spinal Surgery

Contact London spine Unit

This surgical technique consists of a percutaneous approach for the treatment of small to medium size hernias of the intervertebral disc by laser energy. The main objective is to reduce the intradiscal pressure in the nucleus pulposus
Laser Disc Surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic as a day case at our centre on the prestigious Harley Street.

Open Spinal Surgery Articles

Bioengineering (Basel). 2023 Sep 19;10(9):1097. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering10091097.ABSTRACTElderly people usually have poorer surgical tolerance and a higher incidence of complications when
Bioengineering (Basel). 2023 Sep 5;10(9):1042. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering10091042.ABSTRACTSpinal fusion surgery leads to the restriction of mobility in the vertebral segments postoperatively,
J Pers Med. 2023 Aug 24;13(9):1293. doi: 10.3390/jpm13091293.ABSTRACT(1) Background: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a minimally invasive
J Clin Med. 2023 Sep 12;12(18):5912. doi: 10.3390/jcm12185912.ABSTRACTAge-related differences in pain perception have been reported in various contexts; however, their
Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Aug 29;59(9):1569. doi: 10.3390/medicina59091569.ABSTRACTBackground and Objectives: There are several advantages of using lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF)
Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Aug 25;59(9):1545. doi: 10.3390/medicina59091545.ABSTRACTBackground and Objectives: Lumbar decompression with fusion surgery is an effective treatment for spinal

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