Laser Assisted Disc Decompression

Lower back pain associated with leg pain is frequently caused by a "herniated disc". This term refers to the protrusion of the structure -the disc- which is found between vertebrae and which cushions the spine.

This bulge causes pressure on the nerves carrying sensation and function to a specific area. As a result, one may experience symptoms of intense pain, weakness, or numbness.

In recent years, patients with leg and back pain caused by a lumbar disc protrusion have been treated by open surgical procedures and, more recently, by minimally invasive techniques. One of the most recent innovations is a laser technique (LASE), using a very thin endoscope which contains image, light, suction, irrigation, and laser fibers. This allows the surgeon to see within the disc, itself, as the operation is being performed using the holmium laser beam.

Patients who may benefit from this procedure are chosen following physical examination showing evidence of neurological involvement indicative of a disc protrusion and other specific tests done for diagnostic purposes. These tests usually include an MRI scan. EMG studies, CT scan and discography may also be helpful. Your surgeon will discuss these diagnostic studies with you , should they need to be performed.

Indications for Laser Disc Decompression
Patients demonstrating the following signs and symptoms may be considered for laser disc decompression :

Leg pain greater than back pain, positive neurological findings on physical examination, including weakness or numbness, Positive MRI or CT study showing disc herniation consistent with the clinical findings contained disc protrusion

Contraindications
Patients with any of the following clinical or x-ray findings are not considered appropriate candidates for laser disc decompression :

X-ray evidence of severe degenerative or other spinal disease, such as spinal stenosis, free fragments in the spinal canal, or other conditions which would place the patient at undue risk.

Benefits
Percutaneous disc compression surgery offers the following benefits :

Procedure is done as out-patient surgery, usually within same day discharge home Local anesthesia, as opposed to general anesthesia for open surgical procedures. Shorter recuperation time - more rapid return to normal levels of activity Allows for further procedures at the same area, if necessary at a future date

Risks
The risks associated with this procedure are no greater than those associated with traditional open surgical procedures Your surgeon will explain the risks of this and alternative treatments to you prior to any surgical scheduling.

The specific laser device that your surgeon will use allows him to actually see the interior of the disc. It has safety features built in to reduce possible damage to tissue and to reduce any complications which may occur with any treatment.