It is a less invasive procedure performed using a needle to decompress bulging or herniated lumbar discs. The mechanism of action of all mechanical percutaneous discectomy techniques rely on removing a small amount of nuclear material to create a change in intradiscal pressure. It is done with a pneumatically driven, suction cutting probe inserted via a cannula with a 2.8 mm outer diameter about 1-3 grams of disc material is removed reducing intradiscal pressure and decompress the nerve roots. A similar procedure called Laser Discectomy is used to reduce intradiscal pressure by vaporizing a small amount of nucleus pulposus.
INDICATIONS
Unilateral leg pain of at least three months duration.
Radiculopathy correlating with MRI findings.
Positive straight leg raising test
Well maintained disc
No response to conservative treatment
No response to epidural injections
Short term relief following selective nerve root block
Contained disc herniation
ADVANTAGES
Less invasive than open surgery
Less expensive
Less risk of destabilization
Less risk of breach of the spinal canal
Less risk of chronic nerve root irritation
Less risk of Epidural Fibrosis (scar formation)
In the properly trained and experienced hands, percutaneous discectomy is a safe and less invasive alternative to Laminectomy in carefully selected patients. There are numerous studies that show that it is an effective modality of treatment for these patients.
Here at the Washington Metro Pain Institute perform this and many other outpatient pain management procedures in a safe, state of the art facility. Safe and monitored sedation is provided by an experienced Anesthesiologist for your comfort.
Please call our office to schedule a consultation today at 301-220-2333.
Women's Journal Article
Published 01-01-2010
