Has anyone had this new surgery? I just came from neuro and he gave me the option of ALIF or this new technique for performing a diskectomy and fusion at L5-S1. They go in between your coccyx and anus to reach the disk. Supposedly there is only 1 day in hosp. and no brace needed. Not to mention quicker recovery since there's no abdominal incision. Sounds great, but the only problem is I would be his FIRST patient. He hasn't performed it on a patient yet, because it's so new. Any info. or advise would be greatly appretiated. I need to let him know which surgery to schedule.

If this procedure is new,ask your neuro for imformation on it and what is the success rate.Has it been approved?
I've had 2 lumbar surgeries PLIF with instrumentation and both had failed.With surgeries theres no turning back and with new proceedures and especially you beeing his first patient I would want all the facts.To be honest I'd never have a back surgery done again posterior,those muscles and nerves take forever to heal.I've had 2 anterior surgeries and I'd go that route any day.get all the info you can.

I haven't had surgery but know several people who have had back surgery, and personally I would never consider being the first test subject with a new procedure.

Everything I've heard and read seems that anterior is easier and quicker recovery, all things considered since it's major surgery any way.
good luck to you.
:wave:

Well, I have decided to allow my neurosurgeon to perform this new surgery on me. I'm now awaiting to hear when my surgery date is. My neurosurgeon is a well respected and highly regarded surgeon, so I'm taking a leap of faith. It definetely sounds better than having to wear a brace for 6 weeks. I fell at work 1 1/2 yrs ago and ruptured my L5-S1 disk. I have had numerous epidurals, a medial branch block and 2 neurotomies with no success. They are just now deciding that I need surgery after my discogram. I'm ready to do what it takes to get my life back! Not to mention losing some weight, thanks to all the steroids. lol. If anyone has had this surgery, I would love to hear about it. Let's me know what to look for.:eek:

You're braver than I, but I wish you the very best. Be sure to let everyone know how this goes. I had a PLIF L5 S1 three years ago. It went fine, but now there are new issues, as is often the case.

Since I live in Texas also, I'm wondering just where you are. I'm in the Longview/Tyler area.

Carole

carken, to answer your question, I live in Athens and will be having my surgery in Tyler. Nice to meet you neighbor.:D

Still awaiting approval and a surgery date. Wish me luck.:dizzy:

I am thinking about having the trans1 surgery, but before i decide i would like to know how yours went. My doctor wants to do a fusion but i dont want that so i am stuck watiting for another way to have it done. I wish you all the best, and good luck, i will be praying for you.

Suro... you are kiddin right?!!! You want to wait 'til arima has her surgery? Gawd that sounds so horrible!!!

Anyway keep us post arima as I too have a protruding disc at L5-S1 that is pinching the right sciatic nerve casing numbness & some muscle atrophy in the calf.

Is there any sites that talk about this procedure?

Take care & thanks for sharin!

PS: Oh & don't tell Suro how it goes (kidden!)

I watched this surgery live on a website in June. (not sure if we are able to post websites). It is a new procedure and looks good as far as patient recovery. However, I don't think there is alot of info out there as far as long term results because it is new. I like to know long term results before I make a decision. Also, I have researched for a long time, that the anterior(Front) approach has better success because the disc space is better visualized. Also, another concern of mine, would be infection since they are going between the coccyx and rectum!!! Anyway, best of luck with your surgery and speedy recovery.:angel: