Overview

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) has transformed spinal care, providing patients with effective treatment options that minimize tissue trauma, pain, and recovery time. At Taipei Veterans General Hospital (VGHTPE), our neurosurgical spine team employs the most advanced minimally invasive techniques—supported by computer navigation, artificial intelligence, and robotic-assisted technology—to treat a wide range of spinal conditions. MIS is especially beneficial for patients with degenerative spine disease, disc herniation, spinal instability, and osteoporosis-related problems, restoring mobility and quality of life with fewer complications.

Features

• Smaller Incisions, Faster Recovery: MIS is performed through small skin incisions, minimizing injury to muscles and soft tissues. Patients benefit from reduced postoperative pain, lower blood loss, and a quicker return to daily activities compared to conventional open surgery.
• Specialized Techniques: VGHTPE offers leading minimally invasive procedures, especially minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF). Both techniques allow for precise removal of damaged discs and insertion of fusion cages and screws with minimal tissue disruption.
  • MIS-TLIF: Accesses the spine through small incisions in the back, providing excellent nerve decompression and secure spinal stabilization.
  • OLIF: Approaches the spine from the side of the abdomen, avoiding back muscle disruption and offering advantages for complex or multi-level disease and spinal deformity.
• Robotic-Assisted Surgery: VGHTPE is preparing to introduce robotic-assisted spine surgery, which is expected to further improve the precision of screw placement and spinal alignment, lower the risk of nerve or spinal cord injury, and ensure more consistent outcomes for both MIS-TLIF and OLIF. This technology also enables meticulous preoperative planning and enhances surgical safety. Although not yet in routine use, the robotic system reflects our ongoing commitment to surgical innovation.
• AI and Computer Navigation: Real-time navigation and AI-based planning optimize the accuracy and safety of all procedures.
• International Leadership in Education: Our International Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Education Center regularly hosts visiting surgeons from Korea, Japan, Singapore, and other countries, highlighting VGHTPE’s reputation for clinical excellence and education.

Procedure

The choice of minimally invasive technique is tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and anatomy. The most common MIS procedures at VGHTPE include:

• MIS-TLIF (Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion): Two small incisions are made in the lower back under navigation guidance. Muscles are gently separated, rather than cut. The facet joint is removed to decompress nerves and access the spine. The damaged disc is removed, and a fusion cage with bone graft is inserted. Pedicle screws and rods are placed through the same small incisions to stabilize the spine, guided by computer navigation and intraoperative imaging.
• OLIF (Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion): A small incision is made on the side of the abdomen to access the spine, avoiding back muscle injury. The disc is removed and replaced with a specially designed cage to restore disc height and spinal alignment. Additional screws and rods may be added for stability, either in the same or a separate stage.

Both MIS-TLIF and OLIF may be further enhanced in the future with the use of robotic-assisted systems to improve the precision and safety of each step. All procedures are performed with intraoperative computer navigation, and neuromonitoring may also be applied to maximize patient safety and surgical accuracy.

Notification

As with any spine surgery, minimally invasive procedures may involve certain risks and complications, such as:

• Infection
• Bleeding or hematoma
• Nerve injury (numbness, weakness, or pain)
• Implant dislodgement or migration
• Nonunion (failure of bone fusion)
• Adjacent segment degeneration

Although complications are uncommon, our multidisciplinary team is experienced in prevention, early detection, and management. Comprehensive preoperative evaluation and attentive postoperative care are provided for every patient.

Estimated Cost

The cost of minimally invasive spine surgery depends on the specific procedure, the number of levels involved, and the required implants and consumables (including sterile drapes, automatic burrs, hemostatic agents, and implants). Each patient’s condition is unique, so a personalized estimate can only be provided after detailed assessment.

For an individual cost estimate and treatment plan, please contact our International Medical Services Center. Our team will assist you with a detailed breakdown and guide you through the entire process at Taipei Veterans General Hospital.