Minimally invasive spine surgery has been shown to be more successful than conventional surgery when applied to appropriately selected patients. ^1,2,3

LASE with its unique combination of irrigation, deflection and the ability to use laser and conventional instruments allows the surgeon to perform simple nerve root decompression or a complete discectomy. ⁴

The use of endoscopy has proven to yield results equivalent or better than conventional spine surgery while providing the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure. ⁵

Endoscopy enables the physician to visualize the procedure and to verify the desired end point.

The pulsed Ho: YAG laser with its extremely shallow penetration (less than 0.5 mm in water) has consistently proven to be the most effective and the safest method for delivering ablative energy through a small cannula. ^1,2,6

Complication rates for percutaneous spine procedures including laser have consistently been reported at less than 1%, a considerable reduction from the normal 3% to 5% reported for open spine surgery. ^2,7

Minimally invasive spine surgery shares the advantages of low morbidity, reduced postoperative pain and short recovery time common to all successful minimally invasive surgical techniques. ^1,5