Minimally invasive spine surgery in Dubai at DRFK is performed by Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar, DHA-licensed spine and neurosurgery specialist (17+ years), delivering endoscopic discectomy, microscopic laminectomy, keyhole fusion, and the full spectrum of muscle-sparing spinal procedures for disc herniation, stenosis, and degenerative disease after structured conservative care fails.
DRFK Turkish Medical Center is located at Villa 2, Al Athar Street, Jumeirah 3, Dubai. The clinic is easily accessible from Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Safa, Business Bay, and Downtown Dubai within around 15 minutes via Sheikh Zayed Road, with on-site parking available.
Minimally invasive spine surgery in Dubai at DRFK is performed by Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar, DHA-licensed spine and neurosurgery specialist (17+ years), delivering endoscopic discectomy, microscopic laminectomy, keyhole fusion, and the full spectrum of muscle-sparing spinal procedures for disc herniation, stenosis, and degenerative disease after structured conservative care fails.
MISS encompasses endoscopic discectomy, microscopic laminectomy, and keyhole fusion, achieving equivalent decompression and stabilisation to open surgery with dramatically less muscle disruption, blood loss, and recovery time when anatomy permits.
Multi-level stenosis, significant deformity, tumour, extensive revision, or when wide exposure is safer may require open or hybrid approaches. The right operation matches the problem, discussed transparently at consultation.
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) achieves the same decompression, disc removal, or stabilisation goals as open surgery through smaller incisions using tubular retractors, endoscopic technology, and operating microscopes.
The fundamental principle: less disruption of tissues surrounding the spine means faster recovery, while neural elements are managed to the same precision as open surgery.
Approach is selected by anatomy and surgical objective, not marketing preference for the smallest incision.
Open surgery remains right for multi-level stenosis, complex fusion, deformity, tumour resection, and extensive revision scarring.
| Factor | Minimally invasive | Open surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | 7–20 mm | 3–10 cm |
| Muscle disruption | Minimal dilation | Stripping and retraction |
| Blood loss | 20–100 ml | 200–800 ml |
| Hospital stay | Day case–2 days | 2–7 days |
| Desk return | 1–3 weeks | 3–10 weeks |
| Visualisation | Endoscopic/microscopic | Direct open field |
| Best for | Single-level disc/stenosis, selected fusion | Multi-level, deformity, tumour, revision |
| Revision complexity | Lower if re-surgery needed | Variable |
7 mm portal under continuous endoscopic vision; fragment removed with precision instruments. Best for lumbar/cervical disc herniation and far lateral herniations. 45–75 mins; day case; desk return 1–2 weeks. Smaller access and faster recovery than microdiscectomy; requires specialist endoscopic training.
Gold standard for lumbar disc herniation, ~2 cm incision with tubular/microscopic access. After 6–12 weeks failed conservative care. 45–90 mins; stay 1–2 days; desk return 2–4 weeks.
Unilateral approach bilateral decompression through one small incision, equivalent canal decompression with preserved posterior tension band. Best for 1–2 level lumbar stenosis without major instability. 1–2 hrs; 1–2 days; desk return 2–4 weeks.
Percutaneous pedicle screws and interbody fusion through ~2 cm incisions. Best for single-level spondylolisthesis or post-decompression instability. 2–3.5 hrs; 2–3 days; desk return 4–6 weeks. Multi-level deformity may still need open access.
Percutaneous cement augmentation for compression fractures, balloon kyphoplasty restores height. 45–90 mins; day case; rapid pain relief often within 24–48 hours.
MRI, CT, NCS; MIS candidacy: single-level, suitable anatomy, limited prior scarring.
General anaesthesia, Dr. Zahra Ghafari; vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty may use local sedation.
Fluoroscopic C-arm; neuronavigation for complex cases.
Endoscopic or microscopic surgery; IONM when near nerve root or cord.
Walk 4–12 hours post-op; same day or day 1 for endoscopic discectomy.
Dr. Amina Zafar from week 1–2, essential for long-term outcome.
| Procedure | Hospital stay | Desk return | Full activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endoscopic discectomy | Day case–1 day | 1–2 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Microdiscectomy | 1–2 days | 2–4 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| Microscopic laminectomy | 1–2 days | 2–4 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| MIS fusion (single level) | 2–3 days | 4–6 weeks | 3–4 months |
| Vertebroplasty / kyphoplasty | Day case–1 day | 1–2 weeks | 3–4 weeks |
Lead specialist
Neurosurgeon, neurospine
Brain & Spine Surgery
17+ years experience
DHA License No: 20305968-001
Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar, Full profile17+ years from endoscopic disc surgery to complex open fusion and tumour surgery. Philosophy: the least disruptive access that reliably achieves the objective, for most single-level disc and stenosis cases, that means endoscopic or microscopic surgery.
Cost depends on technique, case complexity, and hospital stay, personalised estimate after consultation. Most clinically indicated MISS is covered by UAE plans with pre-authorisation managed by our team.
7 mm portal; day case; desk return often 1–2 weeks.
Gold-standard microscopic disc removal, 2–4 week desk return typical.
Canal decompression preserving posterior tension band.
Percutaneous instrumentation for selected instability.
Rapid pain relief for compression fractures, often 24–48 hours.
Complete structured conservative care before surgical escalation
Bring MRI/CT discs and NCS reports to consultation
Follow lifting restrictions exactly after surgery
Start physiotherapy when cleared, do not skip core work
Report new leg weakness or bladder change immediately
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar, Spine & Neurosurgery Specialist | DRFK Turkish Medical Center, Jumeirah 3, Dubai | Last updated: April 2026
Every day: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Villa 2 Al Athar Street, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
