The milestone highlights advances in minimally invasive spine care, giving eligible patients in Polk County and surrounding communities access to additional treatment options.
Lakeland Regional Health is marking a milestone in specialized spine care after neurosurgeon Gabriel Flores-Milan, MD, and the team at the Lakeland Regional Health Brain & Spine Institute completed 100 endoscopic spine procedures.
Since establishing his endoscopic spine practice at Lakeland Regional Health, Dr. Flores-Milan has used the minimally invasive technique to treat selected conditions affecting the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine. These conditions include spinal stenosis, which occurs when spaces within the spine narrow and put pressure on nearby nerves.
Endoscopic spine surgery uses a small incision and specialized equipment that allows surgeons to see and treat affected areas while minimizing disruption to surrounding muscles. For appropriately selected patients, the approach can offer an alternative to more traditional spine surgery.
“The goal is to relieve the symptoms that get in the way of everyday life,” Dr. Flores-Milan said.
Spinal stenosis can cause symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness and difficulty walking, depending on the location and severity of the narrowing. Endoscopic procedures may help relieve pressure on affected nerves through a smaller surgical opening. In certain cases, the procedure can also be performed without screws or spinal fusion.
Expanding Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
Dr. Flores-Milan has training in both complex cranial and spine surgery, bringing specialized experience in endoscopic techniques used for procedures involving the skull base and spine.
The technology allows surgeons to work through a small opening while viewing the anatomy up close, an aspect of the technique that initially drew him to the field.
“What drew me to endoscopic surgery was being able to see the anatomy up close and work through a small opening,” Dr. Flores-Milan said. “That’s still one of the things I enjoy most about the technique.”
Reaching 100 procedures reflects the collaboration of Dr. Flores-Milan and the multidisciplinary team at the Brain & Spine Institute, with additional technology support from Arthrex.
The milestone also reflects Lakeland Regional Health’s continued investment in specialized treatment options for patients throughout Polk County and neighboring communities. By expanding access to minimally invasive procedures, the health system aims to bring advanced spine care closer to home for patients who may be candidates for these techniques.
About Lakeland Regional Health
Lakeland Regional Health is a not-for-profit health system providing inpatient and outpatient services through its Medical Center, Tampa General Cancer Institute | Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center and ambulatory care locations.
Its 910-bed Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center serves as a comprehensive tertiary referral hospital and includes a Level I Trauma Center, the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children, a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Jack and Tina Harrell Family Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Medicine, and the Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Wellness, among other specialized facilities.
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