What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS) is an umbrella term for a family of advanced surgical techniques that achieve the same goals as traditional open surgery — but through much smaller incisions. Rather than making a large incision and stripping back muscles to expose the spine, MIS uses specialised tubular retractors, endoscopes, and intraoperative imaging (fluoroscopy, navigation) to access the spine through portals just 1–2 cm wide.
The result: dramatically less damage to the paraspinal muscles that support the spine, which directly translates to less post-operative pain, faster mobilisation, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker return to normal activities.
Benefits of MIS vs Open Surgery
Smaller Incisions
1–2 cm vs 10–15 cm for open surgery — significantly less scarring
Less Blood Loss
Minimal muscle dissection means far less intraoperative bleeding
Shorter Hospital Stay
Most patients discharge in 1–3 days vs 5–7 for open surgery
Faster Recovery
Return to desk work in 2–4 weeks; full recovery in 6–8 weeks
Reduced Infection Risk
Smaller wound = lower risk of post-operative surgical site infection
Less Post-Op Pain
Less muscle trauma means significantly lower opioid requirements
MIS Procedures Performed by Dr. Chugh
- MIS Microdiscectomy — for disc herniation and sciatica
- MIS Laminectomy / Decompression — for spinal stenosis
- MIS TLIF / PLIF Fusion — for spondylolisthesis and instability
- OLIF (Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion) — for disc disease and deformity
- Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation — for fractures and instability
- Endoscopic Discectomy — outpatient, awake procedure
- Vertebroplasty / Kyphoplasty — for osteoporotic fractures
Am I a Candidate for MIS?
Most spinal conditions that previously required open surgery can now be treated with MIS. The best candidates are those with:
- Single or two-level disc herniations
- Spinal stenosis (1–2 levels)
- Grade I–II spondylolisthesis
- Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
- Degenerative disc disease requiring fusion
Complex deformity and multi-level reconstructions may still require open or hybrid approaches. Dr. Chugh will advise you on the optimal approach at your consultation.
The MIS Procedure — What to Expect
Pre-operative Planning
MRI, CT scan, and X-rays reviewed. Surgical approach and implants selected. Pre-anaesthetic assessment completed.
Surgery Day
Patient positioned prone (for most procedures). Small skin incision made. Tubular retractor or endoscope docked under fluoroscopic guidance.
Surgical Decompression / Fusion
Disc material removed, bone decompressed, or fusion implants placed — through the tubular retractor with specialised MIS instruments.
Recovery
Patient mobilised within 4–12 hours of surgery. Most patients walk the same day. Discharge in 1–2 days for decompression, 2–3 days for fusion.