The Laser Spine Institute abruptly shuttered in March 2019, leaving hundreds of patients in the lurch amid questions about how such a formidable player in the health care world could have fallen so far, and so fast. The lawsuit, among several in which the company was embroiled, was a major reason.

Laser Spine Institute closed its doors in March, claiming it was unable to attract financing to undergo Chapter 11 bankruptcy and continue operations. A new article in the Tampa Bay Times outlines some of the business decisions that led to the shut-down.

If you're considering back surgery, you should know that while minimally invasive surgery using a laser is effective for some conditions, it isn't a miracle cure, and it isn't for everyone. Find out what you need to know.

Lasers have a limited role in spine surgery Lasers do not magically fix back problems. Surgeons can use the intense heat that they produce to remove portions or reduce the size of soft tissue that may be impinging a nerve, but this is only possible in a limited number of cases.

The Many Advantages of Laser Spine Surgery

• Treats many common back and neck conditions.
• Smaller incisions and less pain.
• Less time in the hospital.
• Back to your usual activities faster.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Spine Surgery? With laser spine surgery, there is less risk of infection, blood loss, and potential injury to your back muscles and soft tissue than with traditional open surgery. Because the procedure is less invasive, your hospital stay and recovery time in general should be shorter.

Percutaneous laser discoplasty uses laser pulses to heat the herniated disc area and shrink the outer walls. This relieves the hernia and pressure on the disc, allowing it to return to its proper function. This laser procedure also uses a thin tube to direct the light to the area being treated.

The surgeon inserts an endoscope into the incision. The equipment has a camera to view the inside part of the spine. After locating the problematic disc, the surgeon will insert a laser into the incision and cut the problematic surface. The surgeon will then remove the disc portion and close the incision.

To remove tumors. To help prevent blood loss by sealing small blood vessels. To seal lymph vessels to help decrease swelling and decrease the spread of tumor cells. To treat some skin conditions, including to remove or improve warts, moles, tattoos, birthmarks, scars, and wrinkles.

Laser spine surgery treats herniated discs up to 70% effectiveness in patients. The laser evaporates the herniated discs' nucleus, causing the bulging disc portion to recede and relieve compression on your nerves.

Benefits of Laser Surgery

• Minimized Bleeding: As it cuts, the laser beam seals small blood vessels.
• Less Pain: The CO2 laser beam seals nerve endings and lymphatics, resulting in less post-operative swelling and pain.
• Reduced risk of infection: Sanitizing effect is one of the unique features of the CO2 laser beam.

LASIK is a highly effective procedure, with a success rate of 96% or higher. This means that 96% of patients with LASIK see a significant improvement in their vision. However, it's important to note that LASIK may not be the best option for everyone.