CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (MISS)
- 97% of our orthopaedic patients rated their care as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’
- Appointment confirmed with spinal specialist within one working day
- Widest range of private spinal treatments in London
Jump to
Minimally invasive spinal surgery at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, our outstanding expertise is why 97% of our orthopaedic patients say they’d recommend us to their friends and family. We offer fast access to our spinal specialists, whose unrivalled experience is backed by state-of-the-art diagnostics to accurately diagnose your symptoms and condition, and recommend the most effective course of treatment, tailored to you.
Our team of spinal orthopaedic and neurosurgical consultants use the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques to minimise damage to the surrounding soft tissue and provide quicker recovery times. You’ll also have access to our highly skilled physiotherapy team, who’ll be on hand to support your recovery.
Our team of spinal orthopaedic and neurosurgical consultants use the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques to minimise damage to the surrounding soft tissue and provide quicker recovery times. You’ll also have access to our highly skilled physiotherapy team, who’ll be on hand to support your recovery.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (MISS) is a type of surgery that is carried out on the bones of your spine. It uses smaller incisions than standard surgery, typically less than one inch in length. This minimises impact on nearby muscles and other soft tissues, resulting in less pain and a faster recovery after surgery.
Thoracoscopic, laparoscopic and endoscopic are all terms used to describe a range of minimally invasive approaches to spinal surgery, endoscopic being the newest technique.
For the latter, a narrow, flexible tube with a camera on the end called an endoscope is passed through the small incision. The camera provides live images on a screen for the surgeon, who passes tools through the endoscope, or through another tube using another incision, to remove or repair the damaged disc or bone and treat sources of pain.
Thoracoscopic, laparoscopic and endoscopic are all terms used to describe a range of minimally invasive approaches to spinal surgery, endoscopic being the newest technique.
For the latter, a narrow, flexible tube with a camera on the end called an endoscope is passed through the small incision. The camera provides live images on a screen for the surgeon, who passes tools through the endoscope, or through another tube using another incision, to remove or repair the damaged disc or bone and treat sources of pain.
The benefits of MISS compared to open spinal surgery include:
- Shorter surgery time
- Quicker recovery time
- Less post-operative pain due to minimal damage to surrounding soft tissue
- One or two small scars instead of one large one
- Reduced risk of infection from the incision site
Your consultant may recommend MISS if you are experiencing persistent pain and have been diagnosed with one of the following:
- Herniated (slipped) disc or degenerative disc
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Spinal deformities (such as scoliosis)
- Spondylolysis or pars defect (a defect in part of a vertebrae)
- Fractured vertebra
- A spinal tumour
- Infection in the spine
If you live with back pain that is so severe it disrupts your life and other forms of treatment, such as medication and physiotherapy, haven’t helped to relieve symptoms, then you might be a candidate for MISS.
However, it depends on the complexity of your back condition. We recommend that you meet with one of our spinal specialists, so they can accurately diagnose your condition and then work out the best treatment for you.
However, it depends on the complexity of your back condition. We recommend that you meet with one of our spinal specialists, so they can accurately diagnose your condition and then work out the best treatment for you.
Surgeons can use MISS for some types of spinal procedures. These include:
- Lumbar or cervical discectomy: When a herniated disc in the upper or lower spine is removed
- Decompressive laminectomy: This surgery involves removing the back arch or part of a spinal bone to enlarge the spinal canal
- Spinal fusion: This procedure uses metal rods and screws to connect two or more bones in the spine
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic and spinal care
30+
different spinal treatments with care tailored to you
97%
of our patients are likely to recommend us to family and friends
Fast access to consultants
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Spinal expertise across the UK
Choose from locations in London and Birmingham
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINAL SURGERY
What to expect
From the moment you step through the door, until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you’ve self-referred to us or have a referral from your GP, the first step is always an initial consultation with one of our spinal specialists.
At this appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history, carry out a physical examination of your back and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests.
At this appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history, carry out a physical examination of your back and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests.
02
Tests and scans
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the UK’s more comprehensive private diagnostics network.
Your consultant may arrange for you to have an X-ray or an MRI scan. These will let your consultant view your spine in more detail so they can make a diagnosis.
They will discuss your results with you and recommend the best course of treatment for your spinal condition. They’ll explain the procedure to you, ensuring you're aware of every detail so you know what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
You’ll also be given information on what you need to do to prepare for your surgery.
Your consultant may arrange for you to have an X-ray or an MRI scan. These will let your consultant view your spine in more detail so they can make a diagnosis.
They will discuss your results with you and recommend the best course of treatment for your spinal condition. They’ll explain the procedure to you, ensuring you're aware of every detail so you know what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
You’ll also be given information on what you need to do to prepare for your surgery.
03
Surgery
Depending on the procedure being carried out, you’ll either be given a local or general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will then make a small incision for the endscope (a narrow, flexible tube with a camera on the end) to enter your body.
The surgeon will carry out the procedure by passing specialised instruments through the endoscope. Sometimes the surgeon may use another tube for the instruments, which requires them to make another small incision.
Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incision sites.
The surgeon will carry out the procedure by passing specialised instruments through the endoscope. Sometimes the surgeon may use another tube for the instruments, which requires them to make another small incision.
Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incision sites.
04
Post surgery
Some types of MISS are described as day cases. This means you can go home on the same day as your procedure. You’ll need to stay in hospital for a couple of hours after the procedure so our teams can monitor your response to the treatment. In some cases, you may need to stay one or more nights in hospital. When you’re ready to go home, you’ll need to have someone drive you.
If needed, you’ll meet with one of our highly skilled physiotherapists, who’ll create a personalised rehabilitation programme to support your recovery.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work and exercise, and any follow-up appointments.
If needed, you’ll meet with one of our highly skilled physiotherapists, who’ll create a personalised rehabilitation programme to support your recovery.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work and exercise, and any follow-up appointments.
Where can I have my minimally invasive spinal surgery?
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
Find out more
Minimally invasive spinal surgery FAQs
Yes, we offer spinal fusion as minimally invasive surgery.
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to join two or more vertebrae of your spine together permanently. This is to treat whatever is causing your vertebrae to move against each other more than they should, which can stretch the surrounding nerves, ligaments and muscles, causing pain, numbness and muscle weakness.
It depends on the procedure you’re having. Your consultant will explain how long they expect the surgery to take. Some procedures can be straightforward and therefore fairly quick, and you may be able to go home on the same day.
Recovery times will vary according to your condition and the procedure you have. However, as minimally invasive spinal surgery uses smaller incisions than open surgery, it tends to lead to faster recovery times. Your consultant will be able to advise you on approximate recovery times and when you can get back to your usual routine, including work, exercise and driving.
Our patients’ stories
Back on track: How surgery helped a visitor from America get free from pain
Brandon Zuck had just arrived in the UK from America. It was the beginning of a holiday he’d been looking forward to, a chance to catch up with friends, a little sightseeing. Needless to say, a complex surgical procedure was not on the must-do list.
Getting back to normal after spinal surgery: Ruth’s story
When consultant spinal surgeon Mr Robert Lee first glanced at the MRI scan of retired music teacher Ruth’s lumbar spine, he did a double take.
Bode's successful spinal surgery at just 14
Bode's (14) surgery fitted her with one titanium and one cobalt chrome rod on either side of her spine held in place by 18 screws. Comparing the before and after X-Rays, they managed to make her spine perfectly straight which Bode says, "was incredible.” She’s now reassuring other young patients with Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis.
“Mr Malik performed an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery on me and it has transformed my quality of life. I’d like to thank him and the whole team for this new lease on life.”
Reviewed by
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.