What it is
Minimally invasive spine surgery is not one procedure but a philosophy applied across many: accomplish the same decompression or fusion through smaller incisions, muscle-sparing corridors, and specialized retractors, rather than stripping muscle off the spine. Dr. Pompliano is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive spine surgery and applies these techniques whenever the diagnosis allows.
When it's recommended
- Microdiscectomy and decompression procedures
- Fusions including TLIF and XLIF
- Selected reconstruction and revision cases
As with every procedure in this practice, surgery is offered only after conservative options have been genuinely explored — or when the diagnosis clearly calls for it.
How it's performed
Tubular retractors, microscope or loupe magnification, navigation, and intraoperative imaging allow precise work through incisions often measured in centimeters. Not every problem suits a minimally invasive approach — and judgment about when it doesn't is as important as skill in when it does.
Recovery & return to activity
- Less early postoperative pain and blood loss for many procedures
- Shorter hospital stays — many MISS procedures are outpatient
- Quicker early return to activity and work
- Same long-term goal as open surgery: a lasting result
Recovery details vary by patient and by the specifics of each operation — your individual plan, restrictions, and milestones are set with you before surgery and refined at follow-up.
Related: Robotic Assistance & Navigation · All Procedures · About Dr. Pompliano
Already been told you need this procedure? A second opinion is always welcome.