I am told that I need to undergo surgery for severe spinal stenosis.  I failed to ask the surgeon why the surgery will not be performed as a minimally invasive procedure.  I do know that I will not have to have any "hardware" placed in my spine.  Basically, the surgery is being performed to relieve the pain in my left leg.  I have bulging discs at L3, 4, 5 and S1.  Basically, if no hardware is needed, can the procedure which I am about to undergo be performed minimally invasive or does it have to be performed with an open incision?
Hi, Thank you for posting your query. Minimally invasive surgeries are possible if you have a localized disc bulge at a single level, say, only L4-5 or L5-S1. Then, the surgeon can perform what is called as micro-discectomy, with a small incision. However, if the problem is more widespread with bulging of multiple discs and compression of multiple nerves, then an open surgery is required. I hope it helps. Please get back if you require any additional information. Best wishes, Chat Doctor. Ly/