PLDD

Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompresion (PLDD) is the surgical removal of herniated disc/bulging disc material that presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord.

A percutaneous endoscopic laser discectomy is done when the patient’s history, physical examination and imaging (such as CT scan or MRI) indicates herniated or bulging disc and the material inside the disc has not ruptured into the spinal canal.

A Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy is used to treat the following conditions:

Degenerative disc diseses

Herniated disc

Bulging disc

Pinched nerve (nerve root compression)

Sciatica

Through this working tube we insert the laser, camera, suction, irrigation and other surgical instruments. Once everything is in place, the surgeon utilizes a laser tovaporize the disc material, therefore diminishing the pressure on the spinal cord and/or the spinal nerve. Many patients feel immediate relief during the percutaneous endoscopic laser discectomy as the pressure is minimized. When the procedure is complete, the tube is slowly removed, allowing the muscles to move back into place. A percutaneous endoscopic laser discectomy is a relatively short procedure, only taking half an hour to 45 minutes to perform with a quick recovery ensured afterwards. After 1-2 hours of monitoring, the patient (with a companion) is free to go.

Advantages of Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy and disc decompresion

Outpatient procedure – no hospitalization

No general anesthesia

No arthrodesis (fusion)

Minimally invasive

Very successful

Short recuperation – quickly return to normal activities

Minimal scar tissue formation