Nucleoplasty What is Nucleoplasty? Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure developed for patients with contained herniated discs. Nucleoplasty consists of creating a series of channels in your disc and then thermally treating the tissue immediately adjacent to the Perc-D SpineWand. The procedure should take less than an hour. Nucleoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Local anesthesia and mild sedation may be used to reduce discomfort during the procedure. It is standard procedure to have an IV needle placed in your arm, and to be given a light sedative. After you are in position on the operating table, your back will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Under x-ray guidance, your physician will place an access needle into your disc. You may experience mild discomfort during this part of the procedure. The Perc-D SpineWand will then be inserted through the needle and into your disc. Tissue will then be removed as the Wand is advanced into the disc. This creates a small channel. The Wand will then be slowly withdrawn to its original position while thermally sealing the new channel. Throughout the procedure, your physician will monitor your condition and comfort level closely. Several channels will be created, depending on the amount of tissue to be removed. At the end of the procedure, the Wand and the needle will be removed. A small surgical dressing will be placed over the needle insertion site, and you will rest in a recovery area until you are ready to go home. After the Procedure The discomfort generated during the Nucleoplasty procedure may take several days to subside, and your physician may prescribe pain medication. During the healing process it is important to treat your back with care. Your physician will provide you with activity and physical rehabilitation guidelines. Home | Procedures | Comments