Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is done under local anesthesia, while open surgery is done under general anesthesia. As per the cause, your doctor would decide which type of surgery is indicated. 

In some cases, when MIS is not sufficient to treat the spine issues, open surgery is indicated. Most of the time it is uncommon, but sometimes when the first surgery with MIS doesn't give the desired results, the second procedure, traditional open surgery is conducted. 

The conditions that need spine surgeries 

Your doctor would identify the type of surgery you require. Few cases could not be treated by Minimally Invasive Surgery, as well as few hospitals don't have the necessary equipment required to do MIS thus they prefer Open Surgeries. Few conditions that might require spine surgery are –

• Spondylolysis  ( this causes issues in lower vertebrae)
• Tumor in the spine region 
• Infection that needs surgery 
• Narrow spinal region (spinal stenosis )
• Disc issues like a herniated disc 
• Fracture in any vertebra
   

Your healthcare provider would identify the cause that is causing back pain, depending upon the cause the type of surgery is planned. Your doctor would also plan the treatment depending upon your age, your overall health, whether you are having any comorbidities like uncontrolled diabetes, would ask you about the other medications you have taken or taking like painkillers as well as the medications you are taking for your other health problems. 

You would be advised to stop alcohol, and smoking and control your co-morbidities like hypertension and diabetes. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes delay the healing process. 

You would also be advised for various investigations like X-ray, MRI (Magnetic Resonance imaging) they would help the doctor to plan your type of surgery.
 

Your orthopedic surgeon and his team after completing the pre-procedure requirements would plan your surgery. If Minimally Invasive surgery is planned the following is the procedure –

• Local Anesthesia is given to numb the part that needs to be operated and thus your vitals like heart rate, blood pressure are monitored.
• A small incision is given on the area that needs to be operated on your back and is retracted thus exposing the spine region.
• The tiny camera and light are thus passed after retraction.
• The surgery is done as per the need.
• The incision is closed with stitches.
   

Minimally invasive spine surgeries show early recovery with good results. The incision being small prevents severe post procedure pain, there is limited blood loss, chances of infection reduces. Thus not many antibiotics and painkillers are advised.

Post-surgery, a small amount of fluid oozes out from the incision but you should not be worried about it as it is normal. But consult your doctor in case more fluid is leaked or you have severe and unbearable pain.

Cosmetically the results are also good due to the small incision.

Follow your doctor's instructions and meet him for follow-up consultations as advised by your doctor for best results post-surgery.