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Minimal access spinal surgery (MASS) is a procedure that permits the spinal surgeons to perform very complex and sophisticated surgical procedures through very small (keyhole) incisions. It is aimed to reduce approach-related morbidity and damage of tissues. It complements the minimally invasive spinal surgery by allowing direct visualization of the spine and gives same clinical outcomes of traditional open procedures. All these have been possible only because of the recent advances in both instrumentation and microsurgical tools required for spinal surgery. 

Common conditions that are being routinely treated using MASS include:  

• Anterior or posterior spinal fusion for back pain from disc degeneration 

• Sciatica from prolapsed intervertebral disc or stenosis 

• Infection

• Acute traumatic fractures and post-traumatic kyphosis

• Metastatic tumour 

• Spinal deformity, e.g. scoliosis and kyphosis 

Patient benefits of Minimal access spinal surgeries:  

• Very high levels of patient satisfaction

• Shorter recovery periods 

• Minimal post-operative pain

• Maximal surgical benefit 

• Quicker return to normal activities  

• Less damage to muscle and skin  

• Easier rehabilitation  

• Smaller scars  

• Less blood loss  

• Improved mobilization 

• Early discharge from hospital

• Outpatient surgery for some patients