LAKELAND, Fla. – Lakeland Regional Health is celebrating a milestone in advanced spine care as neurosurgeon Gabriel Flores-Milan, MD, and the team at the Lakeland Regional Health Brain & Spine Institute have completed 100 endoscopic spine procedures.
Since establishing his endoscopic spine practice at Lakeland Regional Health, Dr. Flores-Milan has used this minimally invasive approach to treat selected conditions affecting the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) spine, including spinal stenosis.
Endoscopic spine surgery uses a small incision and specialized technology to allow surgeons to visualize and treat affected areas of the spine with less disruption to surrounding muscles. For appropriately selected patients, the technique may offer an alternative to more traditional surgical approaches.
“The goal is to relieve the symptoms that get in the way of everyday life,” said Dr. Flores-Milan.
Conditions such as spinal stenosis, which occurs when spaces within the spine narrow and place pressure on nerves, can cause radiating pain, numbness or difficulty walking. Endoscopic surgery may help relieve that pressure through a small incision. In some cases, the procedure can be performed without the need for screws or spinal fusion.
With training in both complex cranial and spine surgery, Dr. Flores-Milan brings specialized expertise in endoscopic techniques used in both skull base and spinal procedures.
“What drew me to endoscopic surgery was being able to see the anatomy up close and work through a small opening,” said Dr. Flores-Milan. “That’s still one of the things I enjoy most about the technique.”
Reaching 100 procedures reflects the expertise, collaboration and dedication of Dr. Flores-Milan and the multidisciplinary care team at Lakeland Regional Health’s Brain & Spine Institute, with additional technology support from Arthrex.
The milestone also highlights Lakeland Regional Health’s continued commitment to advancing specialized care and providing patients in Polk County and surrounding communities with access to innovative treatment options close to home.
