Percutaneous Discectomy is an option for patients suffering from low back and leg (radicular) pain due to contained disc herniations who have failed conservative treatments and are interested in trying minimally invasive options instead of having traditional surgery. It can be performed under direct vision in a similar fashion to microdiscectomy or it may be performed entirely under x-ray (fluoroscopy) which reduces the entry site size to that of a standard injection (less than 1/16" needle prick, about the size of a small freckle). By comparison, standard open discectomy can involve incisions of 1" and greater.
The procedure is done with local anesthetic at the introduction site and light IV sedation. Light conscious sedation is used, as necessary, to help calm the patient. General anesthesia is contraindicated. The total required procedure time might vary between 20 minutes and 1 hour. Total stay at the surgical facility should be limited to 2 or 3 hours. There should be no pain generated by the operation of the device. Leg pain should be diminished within days to weeks.
Q: What type of pain can be treated?
A: Low back and leg pain due to contained disc herniations.
Q: How does the procedure work?
A: The DEKOMPRESSOR® discectomy probe removes disc tissue which may relieve painful pressure on the surrounding nerves.
Q: Will the procedure hurt?
A: There should be no pain generated by the DEKOMPRESSOR® discectomy probe. This advancement in technology requires only a tiny puncture in the skin; similar to a simple injection.
Q: What physician training is required to perform this procedure?
A: Board certification in a specialty such as interventional pain management, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, or physiatry is typical. Physicians should be experienced with discography.
Q: Can my pain be cured?
A: 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.
Here's what to expect on the day of your procedure:
ˇFast the day of the procedure except of your medications.

ˇAn 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.
ˇThe procedure should be performed under fluoroscopy (live video X-ray) to verify the positioning of the probe during the procedure. A member of the health care staff or your physician should review prescriptions for post-procedure therapy, medications, and follow-up instructions with you. You should be home within 2 hours after procedure.
ˇYou must have a driver to take you home. Resume light activity the next day.