Solomon Kamson, MD, PhD, recently shared his recent scientific research information at the 2017 Annual Forum of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS), which took place Sept. 14-16 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This important yearly exchange of medical and scientific information is the only large-scale conference that is focused entirely on minimally invasive spinal surgery, a field in which the Spine Institute Northwest is particularly engaged.
The report showing the investigation results, led by Dr. Kamson, is titled “Five-Year Retrospective Review of Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Fusion Outcomes in Cohorts with Minimal Spinal Deformity Performed at Ambulatory Surgery Center.” This research information was shared with the forum attendees via the SMISS network.
Dr. Kamson’s research has established that full-endoscopic lumbar spine surgery is a feasible and often preferable option for many patients when performed in an outpatient, ambulatory facility. Patients who underwent this type of surgery at the Spine Institute Northwest were asked to assess their feelings of pain and satisfaction after having this type of surgery in this ambulatory facility. After a two-month period post-surgery, the majority of Dr. Kamson’s patients reported a drop in their Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of pain perception, going from a 7 to a 3 (with 10 being the worst pain imaginable). From 70% to 80% of patients reported being satisfied or greatly satisfied with their post-surgical results, with up to 92% of them saying they would recommend this surgery to others who needed it.
A full-endoscopic lumbar fusion procedure is done using minimally invasive surgical techniques. This type of procedure lets patients return home more quickly, the same day after surgery. Patients who have minimally invasive fusion surgeries have reported less post-operative pain and quicker recovery times than those who opt to have more traditionally invasive fusion surgeries. At the Spine Institute Northwest, Dr. Kamson offers lumbar interbody fusion and facet fixation surgery in order to relieve the pain stemming from nerve root pressure and to maintain vertebrae stabilization. This minimally invasive procedure is useful in cases of degenerative disc disease and other spine disorders or injuries. The procedure also allows patients to recover within a matter of weeks instead of months as compared to other traditional, invasive surgical procedures.
If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Kamson’s research findings, contact us today at the Spine Institute Northwest or call 888-712-0318.