Minimally invasive spinal surgery is less disruptive than traditional open-back (lumbar) surgery. In addition to incisions that are large as 5 to 6 inches in length, traditional open surgery has the potential for significant blood loss, greater risk of infection and long hospital stays that can last up to a week. Open surgery also increases the potential to damage normal tissue as surgeons have to cut or move healthy muscles and soft tissue out of the way in order to access the spine. In minimally invasive surgical techniques, Dr. Singh relies on specialized instruments and tubes that allow access to the spine through small incisions only 1-2 inches long. Microscopes allow for magnification and exacting precision during the surgery.