Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

Board certified in neurological surgery Michael Liu, MD, FACS, specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery, which he has performed since 1998. Dr. Liu earned his Bachelor’s degree from the Cooper Union School of Engineering in New York, his Master’s of science from Columbia University and medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark.

Dr. Liu completed an internship in general surgery at Strong Memorial Hospital at University of Rochester in New York, and his residency in neurological surgery at the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake. He is a member of the North American Spine Society.

He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He has served on the medical staffs on the east and west coasts, most recently at Willamette Neurosurgery in Salem, Ore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is minimally invasive spinal surgery?
A:Minimally invasive spinal surgery is the performance of surgery through a small incision with the aid of a small device or camera, otherwise called an endoscope or microscope.

Q:What are the advantages to minimally invasive spinal surgery?A: Minimally invasive surgery was developed to effectively perform procedures with minimal damage to muscle and tissue. It requires a much shorter recovery time due to lower risk of blood loss, lower levels of pain and decreased use of narcotics. It is often done as an outpatient surgery, or with a 24-hour hospital stay.

Q:What are the disadvantages?
A: Minimally invasive spinal surgery is a relatively new technology. Due to its highly technical nature, it is important to find a specialist with solid training and experience in MISS.

If you think minimally invasive spinal surgery may be an option for you, please have your primary care physician refer you to Dr. Liu’s office for a consultation.