What is Percutaneous Herniated Disc Surgery?
Percutaneous disc herniation surgery is a minimally invasive technique to remove herniated discs in the spine, both lumbar and cervical, without the need for open surgery.
Percutaneous disc herniation surgery is a minimally invasive technique.
Why is it performed?
Disc herniation is a common ailment that in many cases incapacitates the patient, to the point that sometimes, when rest and rehabilitation are not enough, it is necessary to resort to surgery. With today’s advances, minimally invasive techniques such as Percutaneous Surgery can be used to treat herniated discs, which offer major advantages:
- Small incisions are made to proceed to repair the damaged part.
- Injuries to skin and musculature are minimal.
- Recovery after the operation, much faster and with less pain.
What does it consist of?
This surgery consists of removing the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through a small incision in the skin. This is achieved through the introduction of an endoscope, an instrument that includes a thin tube with a lens that allows to see on a screen the structures and tissues, as well as the whole process, using fine instruments such as laser and radiofrequency.
Preparation for Percutaneous Disc Herniated Surgery
Before surgery it may be a good idea for the patient to try to be in the best possible physical condition. Some tips are:
- Eat right: Good nutrition is key to keeping the immune system healthy. Eat a balanced diet and take a vitamin supplement in the weeks before surgery. This will help reduce the risk of infection.
- Get in shape: Weak muscles and low cardiovascular endurance make recovery from surgery more difficult.
- No smoking: Patients who quit smoking increase their chances of a successful surgery.
Care after surgery
The patient can lead a normal life the day after surgery and no special rehabilitation is required.
Alternatives to percutaneous surgery to treat herniated discs
- Ozone therapy: There are several techniques to apply ozone locally for disc herniation, but the most effective and the most used is the paravertebral injection. Its main advantage over other techniques is its efficacy, with a success rate of 90%, since it is an outpatient treatment without side effects and very well tolerated by the patient.
- Orthokine treatment: This technique is based on injecting proteins and growth factors obtained from the patient’s own blood into the affected area. The blood is drawn with syringes, incubated and centrifuged, resulting in a blood serum that will be reinjected into the joint.