Dr. Matthew Neal: Minimally invasive spine surgery

For patients with focal spinal degeneration, surgery is an intimidating prospect. Significant pain and blood loss, as well as hospitalization for three to four days, are typical. Yet forgoing surgery can mean living with pain and possibly disability. All three campuses of Mayo Clinic offer minimally invasive spinal surgery, which generally entails less pain and blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, and outcomes comparable to open surgery. Matthew Neal, M.D., neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, explains the benefits.