Overview of the Percutaneous discectomy procedure
Which types of pain are eligible for treatment?
Pain in the lower back and legs stemming from contained disc herniations can be addressed.
What is the mechanism behind the procedure?
Utilizing the DEKOMPRESSOR discectomy probe, the disc material is extracted, potentially alleviating the painful pressure exerted on nearby nerves.
Will undergoing the procedure cause discomfort?
The DEKOMPRESSOR discectomy probe is designed to be pain-free. The procedure involves merely a small skin puncture, akin to receiving a routine injection.
What is the duration of the procedure?
Typically, the procedure lasts between 15 minutes and 1 hour.
What qualifications must a physician have to conduct this procedure?
A board certification in fields like interventional pain management, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, radiology, or physiatry is commonly required, along with proficiency in discography.
Is it possible for this procedure to completely alleviate my pain?
While the procedure can completely relieve pain in certain cases, it more frequently reduces pain to a manageable level when combined with proper post-procedure care.
Preparation, Follow-up, and Potential Complications Associated with the Procedure
Pre-Procedure Instructions
- Please bring any recent x-rays, MRI images, and accompanying reports to your appointment.
- Inform your physician about all medications you are currently taking, including blood thinners (e.g., coumadin, lovenox, pavix), vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Make sure to tell your physician if you have allergies to medications or iodine, are dealing with current infections, have high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, or are experiencing any unusual health issues like colds or respiratory difficulties.
- Avoid aspirin or products containing ASA (such as Alka-Seltzer or Pepto-Bismol) for 5 days before your procedure.
- Refrain from using herbal supplements, including ginkgo biloba, for 5 days before your procedure.
- Stop taking NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) for 3 days prior to your procedure.
- Do not eat or drink anything 6 hours before your procedure, except for necessary medications which can be taken with small sips of water.
- Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled procedure time.
- Be ready to go over and sign a consent form upon arrival.
- Ensure you have arranged for someone else to drive you home after the procedure.
Post-Procedure Guidelines
- Following the procedure, you’ll be in a recovery area for approximately 15 minutes under continued observation.
- Ensure someone else can provide you with a ride home.
- For the first three days, intermittently apply ice to the area treated for 1 to 2 hours daily.
- Expect to rest in bed with some light stretching for 1 to 3 days, keeping sitting or walking periods under 30 minutes. For the initial three days, avoid driving and refrain from bending, twisting, or lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds.
- You might need prescription or over-the-counter pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication for a duration of 3 to 30 days.
- Gradually ease back into your regular activities.
- Depending on the nature of your work, you may be able to resume employment after about three days.
- Initiate a stretching regimen as recommended by your doctor, along with physical therapy and chiropractic treatment starting one-week post-procedure.
- You can begin limited physical activities after 30 days, aiming for a cautious approach to physical exertion for up to three months.
- While not essential, back braces or supports could facilitate your recovery.
- Follow any additional post-procedure directions given by your doctor.
- Recovery duration can differ from one
