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DEKOMPRESSOR (Percutaneous Discectomy) |
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What is a Percutaneous Discectomy? |
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Percutaneous Discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure developed to treat patients with contained, or mildly herniated discs. Percutaneous discectomy literally means removal of the nucleus (nucleus pulposus is the center gel-like substance of the disc.) thru a probe or endoscope. The outer band-like substance of the disc is the annulus fibrosis. Typically when a disc herniates, the annulus fibrosis opens and allows the nucleus pulposus to protrude and compress structures such as nerves. Percutaneous discectomy does not involve an incision. A special access needle is placed into the disc under x-ray guidance. A probe or endoscope is then inserted through the needle and into the disc. The device removes disc material either thru a mechanical probe or an endoscope with a laser. It is performed under x-ray using local anesthetic (sometimes with light sedation) and is much less invasive than traditional surgical treatments. |
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What type of pain can be treated? |
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Low back and leg pain |
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How does the procedure work? |
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The discectomy probe removes disc tissue relieving painful pressure on the surrounding nerves. |
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Will the procedure hurt? |
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There should be no pain generated by the probe. This advancement in technology requires only a tiny puncture in the skin; similar to a simple injection. |
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How long does the procedure take? |
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The total procedure time is generally 15 to 30 minutes. |
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What physician training is required to perform this procedure? |
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Board certification and specialty or subspecialty training in interventional pain management, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery or physiatry is typical. |
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Can my pain be cured? |
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In some cases, pain may be eliminated. In most cases, percutaneous discectomy followed by appropriate follow up care will reduce pain to a tolerable level. |
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Here are some guidelines to help you prepare for your procedure. Your physician may recommend other specific instructions. |
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You should bring any recent x-rays, MRI films, and reports to your procedure. |
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Notify your physician of your current medications and your daily dosages including; blood thinners (such as coumadin, lovenox plavix, etc.), vitamins, and herbal supplements. |
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Notify your physician of any of the following; allergies to medications or iodine, current infections, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, or abnormal conditions you may be experiencing including colds or respiratory problems. |
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Do not take aspirin or ASA containing products (including Alka-Seltzer or Pepto-Bismol) for 5 days prior to your procedure. |
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Do not take herbal remedies including ginkgo biloba for 5 days prior to your procedure. |
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Do not take NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen) for 3 days prior to your procedure. |
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Do not take food or drink 6 hours prior to your procedure except necessary and allowable medications with sips of water. |
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Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time. |
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Be prepared to review and sign a consent form. |
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Arrange for transportation home from another person following your procedure. |
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Day of the Procedure: |
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You will be admitted to an exam or changing room. |
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An IV may be started for your safety. Once placed, the IV can be used to administer conscious sedation medications or other medications, if desired and appropriate |
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The physician or physician assistant will review all current prescriptions, MRI’s, X-rays, and reports. |
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The procedure should be performed under fluoroscopy (live video X-ray) to verify the positioning of the probe during the procedure. |
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Prescriptions for post-procedure therapy, medications, and follow-up instructions should be reviewed with you by a member of the health care staff or your physician. |
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Post-Procedure recommendations: |
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You will spend about 15 minutes in a recovery room where monitoring is continued immediately following the procedure. |
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You will need to arrange transportation home from another person. |
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You should apply periodic ice on the treatment area 1 to 2 hours per day for 3 days. |
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Plan on bed rest with gentle stretching for 1 to 3 days. Limit sitting or walking to less than 30 minutes at a time. |
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Limit driving, bending, twisting, and lifting of weights over 10 pounds for 3 days. |
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Prescription or non-prescription pain and anti-inflammatory medications may be required for 3 to 30 days. |
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Plan on a slow return to your normal routine. |
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You may be able to return to work in about 3 days depending on your job function. |
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A stretching program under the direction of your physician, physical therapy, and chiropractic care should begin after 7 days. |
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Limited physical activity may begin following 30 days. |
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Plan on conservative physical activity for up to 3 months. |
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Back braces or supports are not necessary but may improve your recovery. |
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Your physician may recommend other specific post-procedure instructions. |
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Recovery time varies with each patient. |
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DEK in disk |
DEK in Spine |
DEK probe image |
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