Procedure: Percutaneous Disc Decompression
The patient first lies facedown on the operating bed, and the skin of the back is numbed with local anesthesia. The doctor inserts a “cannula” (thin needle) into the patient’s back, aiming for the affected vertebral disc. An x-ray video device called fluoroscope is used to guide the needle to the correct location.The doctor inserts a special probe into the cannula to push it into the bulge of the disc. The probe will be turned on, causing the tip of the probe to spin to remove small parts of the disc’s center to “decompress”, or decrease the pressure from inside the disc.
After the procedure is finished, the probe and cannula are removed from the back, the back is bandaged, and the patient is monitored for any side effects.
Videos
Percutaneous Disc Decompression Video
Post-operative Care for Percutaneous Disc Decompression
Patients can go home after the procedure but are advised from any intense activities. Patients usually can return to normal, daily activities within 3-5 days.
Goals of Percutaneous Disc Decompression
Minimal scarring of back procedure
Immediate pain relief effects
Remove material that is worsening pain from herniated discs
Relieve pressure on pinched nerves in the back
Benefits of Percutaneous Disc Decompression
- Minimally invasive compared to other back surgeries
- Immediate pain relief for most cases
- The procedure avoids risks of general anesthesia (uses local instead)
- Recovery is fast and scarring is minimized
Side Effects of Percutaneous Disc Decompression
Complications are rare, but can occur:
Potential disc herniation
Potential disc degeneration from needle puncture
Allergic reactions
Infections
Nerve damage
Resources
https://novusspinecenter.com/pain-treatments/direct-indirect-spinal-decompression
https://brochure.viewmedica.com/1382/dekomp/en
https://www.treatingpain.com/treatments/percutaneous-discectomy/
