2. A graduate of the University of Colorado
School of Medicine, Dr. Robert Cach is an
experienced neurosurgeon based in Idaho
Falls, Idaho. The owner of Idaho
Neurosurgical Center, Dr. Robert Cach also
performs laser spinal surgery on patients at
Mountain View Hospital and Eastern Idaho
Medical Center.

3. For three decades, lasers have played an important
role in spinal surgery. Moreover, spinal surgery that
primarily utilizes lasers has increased in popularity
for conditions such as bone spurs, bulging discs,
herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Compared to
traditional spinal surgery, minimally invasive laser
spinal surgery requires a smaller initial incision,
often less than one inch long. This leads to a tinier
scar and a shorter healing period. Since less of the
area is exposed, doctors primarily view it through
endoscopic cameras and 3-D imaging inserted into
the wound.

4. During the surgery, patients receive only a local
anesthetic, which further reduces their recovery
time. The technology allows medical practitioners to
perform ablation, utilizing lasers to burn off the ends
of more sensitive areas and shrink the discs
between vertebrae. Lasers also assist with
laminotomy, a procedure that reduces pressure on
the spine by decompressing discs. The use of
lasers and other minimally invasive techniques in
spinal surgery also allows many patients to return
home on the same day, instead of spending several
days recovering in the hospital, as is common with
conventional surgery.