Percutaneous Discectomy

Many people experience back pain. When a nerve in the back is compressed due to a bulging or damaged disc, the pain can be significant. In some cases, it does not improve on its own. In fact, most of the time, this type of underlying problem will not get better without treatment. The good news is that new treatment options make it possible for you to see a significant improvement in your quality of life through minimally invasive procedures. When you come in to see our New Jersey doctors for percutaneous discectomy, you could see the relief you are looking for.

Could Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Be Right for You?

It may sound very worrisome to learn you need surgery. However, unlike previous methods used for decades, percutaneous discectomy, as you will soon learn, is far more effective and can be minimally invasive. This means you’ll experience less pain while healing and you’ll heal faster. There are far fewer risks to this procedure as well. For all of these reasons, it’s important to consider this type of spine surgery if you have symptoms it can help. That includes back pain, leg pain, and sciatica that does not improve on its own.

But, Spine Surgery Sounds Bad? Is It?

Every type of surgery carries some type and amount of risk. Percutaneous discectomy does have some risks. However, our experienced New Jersey spinal surgeons will ensure you get the best possible outcome. The fact is, living with debilitating pain, limited movement, and constant quality of life issues isn’t the only option for you. With the help of this procedure, you may be able to get back to doing the things you want and like to do. And, you may be able to do it all pain-free. Stop in to see our New Jersey spinal surgery doctors to discuss the potential benefits percutaneous discectomy can offer to you.

Percutaneous discectomy is a type of minimally invasive spine surgery involving a small skin incision to access a disc. Percutaneous means through the skin—a tiny incision. Sometimes this procedure is called Percutaneous Disc Decompression. The term discectomy means to remove a damagedintervertebral disc. A damaged disc can compress a spinal nerve and cause inflammation and pain.

When Percutaneous Discectomy May be Recommended

Back and/or leg pain can be caused by a bulging disc. A disc bulges through the annulus fibrosus—the tough outer band around the nucleus pulposus (eg, gel-like center of a disc). A bulging disc is also acontained disc disorder.

About Percutaneous Discectomy

Percutaneous discectomy is performed in a sterile setting, such as an outpatient facility. Patients undergo the procedure and are released home the same day. At the outpatient facility, the patient changes into a gown and lies down. Medications are administered locally (eg, Lidocaine numbs the skin) and intravenously to promote relaxation and pain-free sleep throughout the surgery.

The skin area is thoroughly cleansed using a sterile soap. A tiny incision is made through the skin, and an endoscope (ie, miniature scope fitted with a camera) is advanced through the incision. The damaged disc material is removed using a laser and/or tiny grasping tools. The tiny incision is closed and covered with a sterile bandage.

Procedure benefits include:

Tiny incision
Small instruments
Muscles and soft tissues are preserved
Anesthesia is gentle
Minimal blood loss
Same day surgery
Faster recovery

Before and After Percutaneous Discectomy

Well in advance of the date of surgery, Dr. Colon and his staff help their patients prepare for surgery. Preparing for surgery may include eating nutritious meals to speed healing, arranging for transportation to and from the facility, and limiting activities during a brief period of recovery. Dr. Colon’s staff provides detailed information and takes all the time necessary to answer the patient’s questions.

Dr. Colon’s Approach to Surgical Recommendation

Although percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure, it still is a spine surgery, and not every patient with back or leg pain is a suitable candidate. Jose Colon, MD is very skilled and knowledgeable about performing this surgery and only recommends the procedure to patients he carefully selects.

Dr. Colon only recommends a treatment after a meticulous review of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and test results (eg, MRI). The results of the patient’s physical and neurological examination, imaging tests (eg, MRI), and outcomes of prior non-operative treatments are compared and analyzed before surgery can be considered a treatment choice.

Expert Spine Care

Doctor Jose Colon, MD is the Co-Director of Rehabilitation Medicine Center of New Jersey. He routinely cares for patients who have suffered on-the-job, accident-related or episodic low back pain. Dr. Colon and his team of spine experts share goals to (1) reduce your pain, (2) improve or restore your functional abilities and (3) return you to full activity as soon as is reasonable.