Dekompressor

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.

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

		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.
		style='font-family:Symbol;'> style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> 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.
		style='font-family:Symbol;'> style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> 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.
		Recovery time varies with each patient.

DEK in disk

DEK in Spine

DEK probe image

 

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