Minimally Invasive Surgery
Saginaw Valley Neurosurgery physicians are internationally recognized as leaders and world-class experts in minimally invasive spine procedures. Gerald R. Schell, M.D., has performed more TranS1 and Optimesh procedures than any neurosurgeon in the world.
See Dr. Schell discuss and perform the TranS1 minimally invasive spine surgery on YouTube below:
In traditional "open" surgery, there can be significant disruption to the body. Large incisions are made and tissue moved to provide the doctor with an unobstructed view of the suspect tissue or organ. Open surgery often requires extensive recovery time and can result in significant postoperative discomfort.
Minimally invasive surgery (also known as "keyhole surgery") involves making as few disruptions to the body as possible. Frequently, only a small incision is required, through which tiny probes, cameras, and other items are inserted. The doctor can then perform surgical procedures on the suspect tissue or organ with minimal disruption to the rest of the body.
Minimally invasive surgery often uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called an endoscope, which is inserted through a small incision. The endoscope is connected to a tiny video camera – smaller than a dime – which projects a view of the targeted tissue or organ onto video monitors in the operating room. Additional small incisions might be made near the endoscope through which the surgeon inserts specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon manipulates these instruments to perform the operation.
The collapsed, degenerated, painful disc remains a true surgical challenge. Most often treated with lumber fusion, the patients have had to undergo major surgery and success rates were often poor. Many patients may now be treated with the minimally invasive TranS1 technique, where the disc is removed through a tiny incision. The bone screws, that once took hours to install, can be placed in minutes. A hospital stay is often not needed, there is little pain, and it does not require a long recovery period. It is not for everyone, but when it is appropriate it offers all of the advantages of a major fusion without many of the risks. Patients can return to work in as little as two weeks.
Minimally invasive spine procedures performed at Saginaw Valley Neurosurgery generally lead to excellent patient outcomes. If you are interested in undergoing a minimally invasive spine surgery at Saginaw Valley Neurosurgery, please contact your primary physician for a referral to one of our physicians.
- In The News
- St. Mary's of Michigan neurosurgeon Gerald Schell is performing minimally-invasive spinal fusion surgeries that require just two tiny incisions.
Watch the video from the operating room. 
U-clamp, screws keep man's head on his body
View Article- High-Tech Back Surgery Gets Fallen Trapeze Artist Up And Walking
View Article