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Percutaneous Discectomy Surgery
Information about Percutaneous Discectomy for Back Surgery - a Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
The word discectomy refers to the surgical removal of herniated disc material (sometimes referred to as a "slipped disc") that is pressing against a nerve root or the spinal cord, causing uncomfortable pressure and pain. When this material is removed, pressure is relieved so that the area has become "decompressed." This is a process very similar to that of letting the air out of a bicycle tire.
For some patients, an even more minimally-invasive decompression method called percutaneous discectomy is available. This procedure is performed through the skin, as opposed to large incisions that are needed in open surgery to remove herniated disc material.
During percutaneous discectomy, a needle is inserted through the skin to reach the disc from which pressure must be relieved. Patients experiencing pain from a contained herniated disc (meaning there is no rupture in the outer wall of a bulging disc) are candidates for this procedure. Patients who have fragments of disc material in their spinal canal or those who suffer from narrowing of the spinal canal are NOT candidates for this procedure.
Dr. Siddiqi will review your symptoms and medical history to determine if you are a candidate for percutaneous discectomy. He will review all associated risk and benefits with you during your office consultation, as well as discuss alternative methods of treatment.
DISC Nucleoplasty Spinal Treatment
DISC Nucleoplasty is on of the most advanced form of percutaneous discectomy to date. Introduced in 2000 by ArthroCare, DISC Nucleoplasty uses a unique plasma technology called Coblation® that removes tissue from the center of the disc without causing trauma. During the procedure, a needle is placed in the center of the disc to create a series of channels from which tissue is removed from the nucleus and the disc becomes decompressed.
This procedure requires use of a local anesthetic, and in some cases, a mild sedative may be administered to calm the patient. Little to no pain is experienced while the needle is inserted into the disc. Once the needle is inserted, the disc decompression itself takes only a few minutes. The entire procedure lasts about 30 minutes, and the patient can return home after a short recovery period.
DISC Nucleoplasty results in very few side effects and has led to improved recovery times for patients.
Interested in finding out if a Percutaneous Discectomy is the right option for you? Please fill out our contact form or call 281-469-0339 with any questions.