My Spine - Lumbar
The operating microscope
Many operations to the spine require that the different types of tissue are mag-
nified so that the specialist can discern the nerves from the other tissues.
Some specialists use operating loupes, which are special glasses that have te-
lescope-like lenses that magnify the tissue. Other specialists use an operating
microscope, which is a large machine that both illuminates the tissue and also
magnifies the tissue more than an operating loupe.
The theatre table
Most spinal specialists will use a specially designed theatre table made out of
carbon-fibre, which is designed to allow the specialist to use the C-arm to see
the vertebrae and any instrumentation used, without interference from the
metal of an ordinary operating table. There are movable pads for the patient
to lie on so that they do not develop pressure sores.
The table is also adjustable at different angles and heights to assist the spe-
cialist to see the tissues of the spine more clearly and to operate in a comfort-
able position.
The diathermy machine
The diathermy machine is used to coagulate bleeding blood vessels and is
used to dissect tissues with. It makes use of an electrical current and can gen-
erate enormous amounts of heat at the tip of the working probe.
The cell saver
In long and complicated spinal procedures or procedures in which moderate
to severe blood-loss is expected, a cell saver may be used. This is a device
that is connected to the suction unit and all the blood that is sucked up during
the procedure is washed inside the machine in a saline solution and impuri-
ties are removed. The blood can then be given straight back to the patient
through the drip.
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