spine surgeon

9+1: Derrek’s Patient Experience

Derrek is a patient of mine who has left a lasting impression – he recently ran his first half marathon after having a 2 level spinal fusion (see his xray to the left). He is a great example of patients who become more physically active after a spinal fusion than they were before, which is a common experience in our practice. Derrek’s back pain began eleven years before his surgery, when one day he woke up with terrible pain in his back. Over the course of the eleven years, after all else failed, his condition deteriorated to the point where he considered surgery. Failing to get the answers he was looking for after speaking to a doctor specializing in psychosomatic symptoms, Derrek came to my office. Here’s what he had to say about his experience: “Dr. McCance really did a great job explaining everything to me and my wife. He told us that surgery is what needs to happen now, or something much worse will happen later. “What I’m most impressed by is that Dr. McCance even explained the differences between psychosomatic therapy and surgery to my wife. He answered all of our questions and gave us two solid options.” Derrek’s options were

March 17, 2015

AARP’s Surgeries to Avoid

An AARP article that discusses common surgeries to avoid – including spinal fusion – has recently made its way back into the headlines. Specifically, it cites studies that show the frequency of this procedure has increased 1,400 percent between 2002 and 2007, and does not appear to be slowing down. The article suggests that the surgery is dangerous and is no more effective than physical therapy, which is inaccurate and misleading. Spinal fusion involves the joining of two or more vertebrae together, using screws and rods along with bone graft material, and sometimes cages (devices that support the vertebra). These techniques provide strong support for the spine, as well as correction of alignment and protection of the spinal canal and nerves. While spinal fusion has increased in frequency, in my experience it is a safe and highly effective treatment for patients when performed properly and for the right diagnosis. The key to success is careful selection of the patients who need a fusion (i.e., performing the procedure for the correct diagnosis), and also performing the surgery carefully to achieve maximal success (i.e., achieving a solid fusion). Where patients and doctors get into problems is when the procedure is performed for a

March 10, 2015

Is Robotic Surgery Right For You?

What is Robotic Surgery? Robotic surgery is a term used for technological developments that use robotic systems to aid in surgical procedures. Robotically-assisted surgery has the potential to help overcome the limitations of minimally-invasive surgery, and to enhance the capabilities of surgeons performing some types of open surgery. To date, robotic surgery has had its biggest impact in Urological (Prostate) surgery, and general surgery. The applications in Spine surgery have been very limited to date, but we continue to monitor and research this technology. With robotically assisted surgery, the surgeon uses a remote manipulator to control the robotic arms that carry out the movements of the surgery. The advantage of this is to allow for very fine and controlled movements in a tight and inaccessible space, and for potentially improved visualization with the miniature camera systems that accompany the robotic arms, examples of such systems include the DaVinci Robot platform. Robotic surgery has been criticized for its expense, by one estimate costing $1,500 to $2000 more per patient. [1] However, this advanced technology allows surgeons to perform general exams as well as complex gynecological, cardiothoracic, and urological procedures with a minimally invasive approach. Potential benefits of robotic surgery In general,

January 20, 2015

The Pros and Cons of Laser Spinal Surgery

Sustaining a spine injury can be devastating – and can lead to significant pain, dysfunction, and loss of mobility. In recent years, laser spinal surgery has appeared on the scene, touted as a quicker and easier option than typical spinal surgery and performed for a variety of spinal conditions—with mixed results. Many patients with a spine injury try to educate themselves with internet research when trying to decide whether to have surgery, and what type to have. While laser spinal surgery can be less invasive, and effective in some cases with a certain diagnosis, there are many conditions that it is not effective in treating. Laser spine surgery is heavily marketed on the internet and TV as “better and safer” than traditional surgical techniques, and claims to give a “quicker recovery.” These claims are unproven and can be mis-leading. Patients often assume that “laser” means more technically advanced. Before you choose laser spinal surgery, it may be best to do your homework on the facility preforming the surgery. You should also get more than one opinion from an experienced spine specialist. Please contact my practice if you have any questions or are considering laser spinal surgery. What is laser spinal surgery? Laser spine surgery refers to

January 13, 2015

Becker’s Spine Review: 8 Ways for Spine Surgeons to Leave a Lasting Mark on the Field

I was honored to be selected by Becker’s Spine Review in July 2012 as a “Top Spine Surgeon Leader for Non-Profit Hospitals” and then again in October 2012 as a “Spine Surgeon Leader to Know.” This month, Becker’s Spine Review interviewed me again for “8 Ways Spine Surgeons to Leave a Lasting Mark on the Field.” Below please find my answers, as dictated to Editor-in-Chief Laura Miller. Spine surgeons have a huge responsibility to provide safe, effective and cost-effective care to patients on a daily basis. However, for surgeons who want to go the extra mile to impact spine care beyond their practice, there are several avenues worth exploring. Advocate for healthcare policy. As healthcare reform moves forward, it will be crucial for spine surgeons to participate in local and national advocacy efforts to positively influence healthcare policy. Surgeons understand what their patients need and have several options to ensure their voices are heard. “One of the big things surgeons can do today is advocating for health policy to protect the ability to provide patient care, access to care and procedure coverage,” says Sean McCance, MD, co-director of spine surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital and director of Spine Associates in New York. “There are several things

June 18, 2013

More Content | Blog

9+1: Derrek’s Patient Experience

AARP’s Surgeries to Avoid

Is Robotic Surgery Right For You?

The Pros and Cons of Laser Spinal Surgery

Becker’s Spine Review: 8 Ways for Spine Surgeons to Leave a Lasting Mark on the Field