Merit Health Central Neurosurgeon Trained to Perform Lateral Access Spinal Techniques

8/16/2022

Advancements in spinal surgery offer major benefits over traditional surgery

The prospect of undergoing traditional back surgery is understandably daunting to most patients. Until recently, patients with chronic back pain as the result of trauma, degenerative disc disease and other factors have had no choice but to undergo lengthy spinal procedures that often require a prolonged hospital stay combined with intensive physical rehabilitation.

Today, advances in minimally invasive lateral access spinal techniques are now enabling neurosurgeons like Menarvia Nixon Gaddis, M.D., at Merit Health Central in Jackson, to perform similar procedures in a safe and effective manner. She is one of the first female neurosurgeons to perform this procedure in Mississippi.

“The lateral lumbar fusion technique is one of the most innovative spinal procedures in the past decade,” said Dr. Nixon Gaddis. “It allows for smaller incisions and shorter hospital stays and recovery time. It also decreases blood loss and the risk of infection in comparison to traditional spine surgery. Sadly, not every patient is a candidate for this procedure, but those that have experienced near immediate and long-lasting relief from pain many have lived with for years.”

She added that in most cases, patients can walk again within hours of the lateral procedure’s completion, something she calls a “miraculous improvement” for patients who previously dealt with long recovery times and significant pain. Patients benefiting from her experience and mastery of the procedure following intensive training have been extremely grateful for the opportunity to return to their lives and normal routines in record time, pain-free.

“This procedure became available over a decade ago; however, with advances in technology and proper training, it has become more streamlined and safer for patients, with less risks of complications,” said Dr. Nixon Gaddis. “And we’re constantly learning about additional ways to reduce surgery time, complications and recovery. I anticipate even greater strides in minimally invasive spinal surgery in the future.”

When performing lateral access spinal surgery, Dr. Nixon Gaddis takes a side approach and makes the incision over the patient's flank, the area on the side between a person’s ribs and the hip. With this point of access, she can reach the vertebrae and intervertebral disks without moving the nerves or opening muscles in the back. Patients experience significant pain relief from the one-hour procedure, including those who have lived with back or leg pain for years and have not responded favorably to treatments. Additionally, side effects are significantly lower than those experienced following traditional back surgery.

David C. Henry, FACHE, CEO of Merit Health Central said offering patients the option to undergo the innovative procedure is another way the hospital is meeting the needs of those seeking an alternative to traditional neurosurgery.

“This surgical technique allows us to provide another option when patients are considering neurosurgery,” said Henry. “Dr. Gaddis’ knowledge is valued at Merit Health Central. Her position on our surgical staff epitomizes our commitment to provide much needed healthcare services in a location that is easily accessible to the community.”

To learn more about this technique, call (601) 376-2898.

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