For Luke Skywalker, a laser sword proved the weapon-of-choice in his fight against the “Empire” in Star Wars, but when it comes to battling chronic back pain and the spinal disorders that cause it, lasers are actually not surgeons’ most common or most effective tool, according to endoscopic spinal surgeon Kaixuan Liu MD, PhD.
How does laser spine surgery compare to other methods?
Laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that has gained popularity in recent years for the treatment of various spinal conditions. It involves the use of a laser to precisely remove or repair damaged tissue in the spine, with the goal of alleviating pain and restoring function. While laser spine surgery may sound cutting-edge and advanced, it's important to understand how it compares to other methods of spinal surgery.
One of the main advantages of laser spine surgery is its minimally invasive nature. Traditional open spine surgeries often require large incisions, muscle dissection, and lengthy recovery periods. In contrast, laser spine surgery involves smaller incisions, causing less trauma to the surrounding muscles and tissues. This can lead to reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery times, and a lower risk of complications. Patients may experience shorter hospital stays and be able to resume their normal activities more quickly compared to traditional methods.
While laser spine surgery can be highly effective for certain conditions, it's not suitable for every spinal problem. It is typically most effective for treating conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or mild to moderate spinal instability. Complex spinal deformities or conditions requiring extensive bone work may still require traditional open surgery techniques.
Furthermore, it's important to recognize that the success of any spinal surgery depends on the skill and expertise of the surgeon. Laser spine surgery, like any other surgical approach, requires a highly trained and experienced surgeon who specializes in the technique. A thorough evaluation and diagnosis of the patient's condition are essential to determine the most appropriate surgical method.
“As far as laser spine surgery being some kind of magical procedure that brings instant pain relief, there is no such thing, despite the ballyhoo on the Internet suggesting it’s a minimally-invasive or even nonsurgical, approach for treating herniated and ruptured spinal discs or spinal stenosis,” says Dr. Liu. Unlike described “laser surgery,” endoscopic surgery is a proven, minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to work on the spine through a small tubular system or through micro-incisions (incisions about the size of a quarter), with the aid of an inserted endoscopic camera. The camera provides full visualization of the surgical field.
“Endoscopic procedures have revolutionized the treatment of neck and back pain. Clinical experience and studies show they minimize blood loss, speed recovery, involve less pain, provide long-term relief, and improve a patient’s overall quality of life,” says Dr. Liu. “Because of the magnification that the endoscope provides, an experienced surgeon can use a laser safely during endoscopic surgery to remove scar tissue, adhesions and small, bony growths or to coagulate areas of bleeding.”
“But the laser’s application is confined to cases in which the cause of the patient’s pain is clearly diagnosed and localized. It is not at all useful for repairing and removing major disc herniation (disc ablation), eliminating large bone spurs or stabilizing the spine,” he adds.
Other experts concur. In a report published in a September 2019 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, scientists indicate that “available clinical studies do not show a notable advantage” for laser use in conventional spine surgery and add that the “purported” benefits of lasers, including “reduced inflammation and degeneration,” are “not supported by preclinical research.”
Lasers create a concentrated source of heat that can readily slice through tissue and structures, thereby helping surgeons remove soft tissue or disc material that may be compressing a nerve and causing pain. However, “the spine comprises a complex system of nerves, muscles, cartilage, ligaments, and bone that run its length. For that reason, the surgeon must be absolutely precise in the laser’s use. A spillover of heat can easily damage nearby nerves and other areas of the spine, which is why a low-energy laser – the Holmium YAG laser – is the one most frequently used in spine surgery,” says Dr. Liu.
“A laser is only a tool in the spine surgeon’s arsenal. It is not absolutely essential for ensuring an effective spinal decompression procedure. Many other instruments, oftentimes more appropriate, are available, such as burrs, cutters and graspers.”
Admittedly, the federal Food and Drug Administration has approved laser use for percutaneous disc decompression (PLDD) – a minimally-invasive, nonsurgical, outpatient procedure to treat sciatica caused by milder forms of disc herniation. Sciatica occurs when a herniated disc in the lower back presses on a nerve, resulting in chronic pain and numbness in the lower back and legs. In PLDD, an optic fiber is inserted through a needle that has been guided by X-ray or computed tomography to the ruptured disc. Then, laser energy is sent through the fiber to ablate a small volume of tissue and ease pressure on the nerve.
But, according to Dr. Liu, most spinal experts agree that PLDD is primarily performed in cases that are likely able to resolve on their own without further treatment or in patients who want to avoid immediate surgery and engage in “watchful waiting,” understanding that surgery may be required later to provide long-term relief.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery can be used to treat various spinal conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal deformities, and spinal instability. The specific technique employed depends on the nature and severity of the condition. “The takeaway here for patients is that, despite the marketing hype, the usefulness of lasers in actual spinal surgery, except under specific, controlled circumstances, remains undocumented by evidence-based data,” Dr. Liu says. He advises that individuals with spinal problems or chronic back pain consult with credentialed, board-certified spine surgeons or neurosurgeons to carefully weigh their options.
