Percutaneous Discectomy Surgery for a Herniated Disc

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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Percutaneous Discectomy

This procedure involves removing disc fragments and deviated disc material from the spine. Lumbar percutaneous discectomy refers to the removal of disc herniations pressing on nerve roots or the spinal cord. It involves making an incision between the vertebrae and inserting a small surgical needle between them. This procedure is minimally invasive. Decompression surgery removes disc material from the spine and relieves painful pressure on the nerves. Sciatica or leg pain may occur due to slipped or herniated discs after a patient undergoes surgery to correct the condition. Patients with herniated discs are treated comprehensively at Richardson Pain Management.

Give us a call at 469-562-4188 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment for percutaneous discectomy treatment in lancaster, TX and the surrounding areas.

Overview of the Herniated Disc

Herniated discs occur when one or more disks rupture within the spinal column (backbone). A spine consists of several bones (vertebrae) that span from the skull base to the tailbone. Between each vertebra, the spine discs act as a cushion. The disks that separate your bones enable you to bend and move. Typically, disk ruptures are the result of a leak or rupture in the disk. People aged 30 to 50 are most likely to suffer from herniated disks.This condition is twice as prevalent in men as in women. The pain associated with herniated discs can initially be treated at home. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consult a physician:

  • A person suffering from pain may find it difficult to go to work.
  • The symptoms have not improved after four to six weeks.
  • Symptoms get worse.
  • Feeling uncontrollable
  • Your arms, hands, legs, or feet feel tingly, numb, or weak.
  • Standing or walking is hard for you.
  • Overview of Discectomy

    Spinal discs cushion vertebrae. A disc consists of two layers. A tough cartilage layer is present in the first layer, while a gelatinous layer is present in the second layer. Various injuries, normal wear and tear, and aging may contribute to bulging discs. Discs that hibernate (rupture) may require decompression surgery. The most effective treatment for sciatica pain is open surgery (removal of the intervertebral disc). The purpose of this procedure is to relieve pressure from nerve roots and decompress the disc.

    Preparation For A Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy

    Consult your physician regarding preparations for surgery. You should consult your physician prior to the procedure if you are taking any medications, such as blood thinners. The night before surgery, refrain from drinking alcohol or eating anything after midnight. Additional spine imaging tests may be ordered by your physician in addition to the MRI.

    Percutaneous Discectomy

    The procedure of percutaneous discectomy is similar to that of microdiscectomy in that the disc is removed through the skin. A percutaneous discectomy involves the insertion of an endoscopic device between the vertebrae and the disc center following an incision in the skin. By using the endoscope, doctors are able to view what is taking place within the body through cameras. X-rays provide guidance in treatment. A tube or series of tubes is used during surgery to insert an instrument or a series of instruments.

    Percutaneous discectomy procedures are available in a variety of forms. During these procedures, anesthesia may be administered either locally or generally. There is an instrument inserted between the vertebrae and within the disc as part of the procedure. During surgery, X-rays guide the movement of surgical instruments. The following methods are available for removing disc tissue:

  • Remove the entire disc
  • An effective method of reducing the volume of a disc is to remove the center of the disc in order to restore it to its original shape.
  • Burning or destroying discs with lasers.
  • Following the removal of the disc pressing on the nerve, the patient will experience less pain. Patients suffering from pain associated with a bulging disc without outer wall rupture may benefit from this procedure. Suffering from back and leg pain, including sciatica and radiculopathy, may benefit from a percutaneous discectomy. Patients with small, contained herniations may benefit from a percutaneous discectomy. The procedure may also be of benefit to patients with large, contained (nonruptured disc) herniations who are ineligible for open surgery.

    Recovery From Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy

    Your return home will be possible the following day following the completion of the procedure. If you are experiencing pain during the healing process, your physician may prescribe pain medication to alleviate it. You should refrain from driving for several weeks after the procedure, from sitting for long periods of time, from lifting heavy objects, and from twisting or bending. Occupational therapy or physiotherapy may be necessary to strengthen and increase the flexibility of your legs. In order to prevent recurrence of the problem, preventative measures will be taken.

    Typically, patients report significant pain relief following percutaneous lumbar discectomy, enabling them to return to their normal daily routines. Medical professionals are dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients at Lancaster spine and pain clinic. As an alternative to general anesthesia, percutaneous discectomy uses local anesthetic. An office setting is the most common setting for outpatient treatment. It usually takes less than an hour to complete the treatment.

    Expected Results

    Approximately 90 percent of patients experience reduced pain and decreased medication requirements, while increasing their functional capacity, after undergoing a percutaneous discectomy performed by a pain doctor in Dallas. The procedure does not involve cutting muscles or bones, so there is mild or no scarring following the procedure. Pain management fort worth offers relief from spinal cord disorders due to a variety of reasons.

    Generally, patients can return home within hours of the procedure. Many of them can resume normal daily activities within three to five days of the procedure. Additionally, there is less risk of complications associated with percutaneous discectomy as compared to open surgical discectomy. It is the mission of the medical professionals at the pain relief clinic in Cleburne to improve the quality of life of their patients.

    To learn more about our hillsboro percutaneous discectomy treatment services, give us a call at 469-562-4188 or contact us online today.

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