The NeuroMedical Center Performs the First Laser Spine Surgery in Louisiana

    BATON ROUGE, LA, December 21, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Spine Hospital of Louisiana at The NeuroMedical Center in Baton Rouge is the first and only hospital in Louisiana to bring minimally invasive laser spine surgery to the Gulf Coast region. Neurosurgeons at the Spine Hospital of Louisiana made history this summer when they performed the first surgical procedure on the spine using a laser. While laser technology has been utilized in the medical field for several years, it has recently been adapted for spinal surgeries.

"As the region's largest network of neurological specialists and neurosurgeons, The NeuroMedical Center is proud to be at the forefront of offering this leading-edge spine surgery to patients in Louisiana," said Dr. Kelly J. Scrantz, a neurosurgeon at The Spine Hospital of Louisiana. "My counterparts are focused on continuously innovating spine treatment and this new service demonstrates our commitment to providing patients with the highest quality of care and the most advanced technology available."

Laser spine surgery is currently applied in cases of patients with herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative spinal conditions, and spine injuries. These disorders can cause chronic and debilitating leg and back pain and until now, surgical options included traditional open back surgery, which is a more extensive procedure with larger incisions. With laser spine surgery, surgeons are able to make a single band-aid sized incision and the pen-like laser tool allows for precise removal of the damaged spinal tissue. The laser is used to vaporize the tissue and then melt the spinal disc, which allows the surgeon to seal the back of the disc and prevent re-herniation. The procedure takes approximately one hour and patients are able to go home the same day.

"Laser spine surgery offers tremendous benefits for patients in terms of smaller incisions, faster recovery time and relief of painful symptoms. But it's not for every patient. That is why our team of experienced, board-certified neurosurgeons at The NeuroMedical Center customizes each patient's treatment to achieve the optimal outcome for their unique needs," said Dr. Scrantz.

About The Spine Hospital of Louisiana at The NeuroMedical Center
The Spine Hospital of Louisiana is the surgical division of The NeuroMedical Center. Staffed by a team of 10 highly trained neurosurgeons, two orthopaedic spine surgeons, two in-house neuroradiologists, and five pain medicine and rehabilitation specialists, our experts provide a full range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options and rehabilitation services. A 2-time Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award winner and back-to-back Hospital of the Year award recipient, the Spine Hospital of Louisiana continues to build on a legacy of providing world-class spine care with a dedication to the highest level of quality care and compassion for patients.

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