Surgery can be a daunting experience, whether you are facing it for the first time or managing ongoing health issues. For many patients dealing with chronic pain conditions, the decision between a minimally invasive procedure and open surgery can be complex. Understanding the differences and advantages of each approach is essential for making an informed decision and for ensuring the best possible outcomes for your pain treatment.

At Singapore Paincare, we bridge the gap between conservative physical therapies, which may not be immediately effective, and open surgery, which can have higher risks and longer recovery times. We do this by offering a range of minimally invasive procedures (MIPs) that target the root cause of pain to provide long-lasting relief.   

In this article, we’ll break down what these two procedures involve, how they differ, and factors you should consider when planning your next step in addressing pain conditions or seeking chronic pain treatment.

 

What is a Minimally Invasive Procedure? 

Modern medicine has led to the availability of many interventional options that do not require open surgery. At Singapore Paincare, we are able to offer Minimally Invasive Procedures (MIPs) to our patients as an alternative to surgical and conservative therapy because of our specialised knowledge and expertise in this area.

What they are 

  • Specialised injections: Myospan procedures like Coreflex injections combine anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, and anaesthetic components delivered precisely to eliminate the pain generator. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) uses a concentration of patient’s own blood platelet to stimulate healing by causing temporary, low-grade inflammation at the injection site, raising growth factor levels and promoting tissue repair and growth.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedures: Neurospan procedures are used to treat pain due to spinal causes. It treats the underlying source of pain such as slipped discs, bone spurs, and nerve compressions. In cases of herniated discs, specialised needles and injections are used to decompress and shrink the discs using a vacuum effect to achieve the required volume reduction.
  • Alternative to surgery: These treatments are designed to provide lasting relief without the need for major surgery, helping patients recover faster. 
  • Targeted approach: They focus on identifying and treating the root cause of pain rather than just masking symptoms. 

 

Read more about our treatments here.

Key benefits of minimally invasive procedures include: 

  • Less risk: Compared to open surgery, there is a lower risk of complications like nerve injuries and wound infections. 
  • Faster recovery: Many procedures have little to no downtime, allowing patients to return to daily activities quickly. 
  • Long-term relief: The aim is to provide lasting pain relief and improve a patient’s quality of life. 

 

What is Open Surgery? 

Open surgery is the traditional approach to surgical intervention. It involves making a large incision to access the affected area directly. This method allows surgeons to see and touch organs, tissues, or bones, which can be essential for complex procedures. Examples include joint replacements, spinal surgeries, and certain abdominal operations. 

While open surgery provides excellent access and visibility, it comes with longer recovery times and higher risks of infection. 

Key characteristics of open surgery include: 

  • Larger incisions, which can lead to more noticeable scarring. 
  • Extended hospital stays and recovery periods. 
  • Higher levels of post-operative discomfort compared to minimally invasive techniques. 
  • Greater potential for complications, including infections and blood loss. 

Despite these challenges, open surgery is sometimes necessary choice, particularly in emergencies or when dealing with severe and complex pain conditions that require direct surgical access. 

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Procedure 

Selecting the right approach is a highly personal decision that should involve careful consultation with a qualified pain specialist or surgeon. Key considerations include:

  • Type and Severity of Condition: Depending on your pain condition, Singapore Paincare’s unique offering is able to achieve 70 to 90 per cent pain relief for most chronic and degenerative pain conditions and has garnered more than 85 per cent patient satisfaction. More complex pain conditions may necessitate open surgery.  
  • Overall Health: Patients with certain comorbidities may recover better with minimally invasive techniques. 
  • Recovery Goals: Those seeking shorter recovery periods and faster resumption of daily life may benefit from minimally invasive procedures. 

Your pain specialist can help evaluate these factors, providing guidance tailored to your specific pain treatment needs.

Conclusion 

Choosing between a minimally invasive procedure and open surgery is a decision that impacts recovery, long-term outcomes, and overall quality of life. Consulting a pain specialist is crucial to understand which approach aligns with your medical needs, recovery goals, and personal preferences.

While minimally invasive procedures offer faster recovery and less pain, open surgery remains indispensable for complex cases. By carefully weighing the advantages and your individual circumstances, you can make an informed choice that supports optimal health and well-being.