The procedure is called Percutaneous Discectomy. It is performed
under x-ray using local anesthetic (sometimes with light sedation)
and is much less invasive than traditional surgical treatments.
What type of pain can be treated?
Low back and leg pain.
How does the procedure work?
The Dekompressor™ percutaneous lumbar discectomy probe removes disc tissue
relieving painful pressure on the surrounding nerves.
Will the procedure hurt?
There should be no pain generated by the Dekompressor probe. This
advancement in technology requires only a tiny puncture in the
skin; similar to a simple
injection.
How long does the procedure take?
The total procedure time is generally 15 to 30 minutes.
What physician training is required to perform this procedure?
Board certification in a specialty such as interventional pain management,
orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, or physiatry is typical. Physicians should
be experienced with discography.
Can my pain be cured?
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.
Before your procedure
Here are some guidelines to help you prepare for your procedure. Your physician
may recommend other specific instructions.
You should bring
any recent x-rays, MRI films, and reports to your procedure.
Notify your physician of your
current medications and your daily dosages including;
blood thinners (such as coumadin, lovenox plavix, etc.),
vitamins, and herbal supplements.
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.
Do not take aspirin
or ASA containing products (including Alka-Seltzer or
Pepto-Bismol) for 5 days prior to your procedure.
Do not take herbal remedies
including ginkgo biloba for 5 days prior to your procedure.
Do not take NSAIDS (such
as ibuprofen) for 3 days prior to your procedure.
Do not take food or
drink 6 hours prior to your procedure except necessary
and allowable medications with sips of water.
Arrive at least 30 minutes
prior to your scheduled procedure time.
Be prepared to review and sign
a consent form.
Arrange for transportation
home from another person following your procedure.
Day
of the Procedure
You will be admitted
to an exam or changing room.
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
The physician or physician
assistant will review all current prescriptions, MRI’s,
X-rays, and reports.
The procedure should be performed
under fluoroscopy (live video X-ray) to verify the positioning
of the probe during the procedure.
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.
Post-Procedure recommendations
You will spend
about 15 minutes in a recovery room where monitoring
is continued immediately following the procedure.
You will need to arrange transportation
home from another person.
You should apply periodic ice
on the treatment area 1 to 2 hours per day for 3 days.
Plan
on bed rest with gentle stretching for 1 to 3 days. Limit
sitting or walking to less than 30 minutes at a time.
Limit driving, bending, twisting,
and lifting of weights over 10 pounds for 3 days.
Prescription or non-prescription
pain and anti-inflammatory medications may be required
for 3 to 30 days.
Plan
on a slow return to your normal routine.
You may be able to return to
work in about 3 days depending on your job function.
A stretching program under
the direction of your physician, physical therapy, and
chiropractic care should begin after 7 days.
Limited physical activity may
begin following 30 days.
Plan on conservative physical
activity for up to 3 months.
Back braces or supports are
not necessary but may improve your recovery.
Your physician may recommend
other specific post-procedure instructions.
