A discectomy is a surgical procedure performed for patients who have a damaged or diseased intervertebral disc. Typically, this procedure is not performed until conservative, non-surgical treatments have proven unsuccessful at relieving the patient’s symptoms.
During an open discectomy, a damaged intervertebral disc is removed from the spinal canal. Depending on the procedure, a surgeon may remove a portion of a disc or the entire disc.
A patient might need a discectomy for a variety of reasons – for example, if a herniated disc is causing severe pain or disability and non-surgical treatments such as pain medications, physical therapy, or osteopathic manipulative treatment are not providing sustained relief.
The passageways between the spine’s vertebrae through which nerves leave the vertebral column and extend to other parts of the body are limited in size. When an intervertebral disc herniates, gel-like substance called the nucleus pulposus extrudes into the area surrounding the disc. This extruded material may put pressure on one or more nerve roots. This causes pain, numbness, weakness, and other symptoms of a herniated disc.
At Laser Spine Institute, we perform a minimally invasive procedure called a percutaneous endoscopic discectomy. In this procedure, the extruded central disc material and any remaining nucleus pulposus is surgically removed, relieving pressure on adjacent spin cord or spinal nerve roots. Laser Spine Institute surgeons perform this highly advanced discectomy through a small incision, resulting in minimal disruption to surrounding normal tissue and greatly reducing recovery time.
By reviewing your MRI or CT scan, Laser Spine Institute can determine whether you are a candidate for this state-of-the-art discectomy surgery. We also will review other factors including:
- Your history of chronic pain in your back, neck, and extremities
- Your general health history as it relates to anesthesia
- Your limitation of daily activities due to pain
- If you have responded to nonsurgical treatments such as pain medications or physical therapy
- If you suffer from a long-term medical issue such as degenerative disc disease or spinal arthritis
If you may be a candidate for a percutaneous endoscopic discectomy at Laser Spine Institute, we invite you to contact us for a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan. Our minimally invasive, outpatient procedures have helped people from around the world experience relief from their neck and back pain.
