Percutaneous Discectomy – MILD

What is Percutaneous Discectomy?

This is a term used for multiple procedures involving the removal of herniated discs that are causing pain by pressing on the spinal cord or nerve roots. The procedure leaves the disc in place but removes the material from the center of the disc.

How is the Procedure Done?

After a local anesthetic is applied to the area, a very small incision is made and a very large needle is inserted into the appropriate area using x-ray technology. Then the “Stryker Dekompressor” will be inserted into the needle to the damaged area.

You will be mildly sedated during the procedure which will allow you to relax. Then there are multiple ways to remove the disc. They can suck out the disc material from the center or they can cut the entire disc out. They can also use lasers to destroy the disc and then remove it.

Who Will I Feel After Having a Percutaneous Discectomy?

The procedure will be done in an outpatient facility so you should be able to go home the same day. The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes to perform and recovery can be anywhere from 2-3 hours after. You will have some post-operative pain but is should be controlled by prescription pain relievers. For some time after surgery, you will have to sit for only short periods and try not to lift, twist or bend too much.

How Successful is the Procedure?

Patients may receive an improvement in pain in more than 70% of the time. The procedure is meant to actually cure the condition behind the pain, not only mask it. Most of the time, 79% of the people who had the procedure were able to return to normal activities because of the reduction in pain. Because of the small incision, the amount of time to return to normal activities is relatively short; approximately 6 weeks.

What are the Risks Associated with the Procedure?

There are lower risks with this procedure than will regular back surgery. The most common after-effect of the procedure is mild pain at the site of the injection for a short amount of time after the procedure. Some less common risks are abnormal bleeding that may require surgery, infection of the spinal cord, extra intracranial pressure, or spinal cord compression. Many of these risks are severely reduced by the use of sterile equipment to lessen infection and x-ray machines for appropriate positioning of the needle.

References

Hu SS, et al. (2006). Disorders, diseases, and injuries of the spine. In HB Skinner, ed., Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Orthopedics, 4th ed., pp. 221–297. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Kim, H., Ju, C., Kim, S., & Kim, J. (2009). Huge Psoas Muscle Hematoma due to Lumbar Segmental Vessel Injury Following Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy. Journal Of Korean Neurosurgical Society / 대한신경외과학회지, (3), 192.