Discectomy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an endoscopic discectomy?
An endoscopic discectomy is a relatively common and simple procedure that many physicians around the world perform. It involves the removal of a portion of the disc to rectify both back and leg pain. The amount of disc removed is approximately 10% of the total of the disc itself and therefore it is really a partial discectomy. ...
Source: www.microspine.com
What is a Minimally Invasive Discectomy?
This is a surgery with the goal of treating leg pain from pressure on a spinal nerve. It is performed through a small (2-3 cm) incision with the help of microscope.
Source: www.healthyspine.info
When are Cervical Endoscopic Discectomy (CED) and Anterior Cervical Discectomy (ACD) recommended?
Cervical Endoscopic Discectomy (CED) is recommended to treat herniated/protruded cervical discs. It is performed endoscopically under local anesthesia, using a small probe. CED can also be performed on cervical herniated discs that are extruded or compressing the spinal cord. Anterior Cervical Discectomy (ACD) is recommended to treat extensive osteophytes (bone spurs) with or without disc protrusion. This surgery is performed using a microscope, with a small incision, under general anesthesia. Bone fusion is not necessary.
Source: www.laserspinetreatment.com
What is Micro-endoscopic discectomy?
Micro-endoscopic discectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure to remove herniated disc material. Using local anesthesia and a magnified video for guidance, a small, specially designed probe called an endoscope is inserted between the vertebrae and into the herniated disc space through the skin of the back. Tiny surgical attachments are then sent down the hollow center of the probe to remove a portion of the offending disc. ...
Source: www.peloza.com
How is a discectomy procedure performed with the METRx ™ Micro Discectomy System coded?
ICD-9-CM code 80.51, Excision of intervertebral disc should be assigned for inpatient procedures. For the outpatient setting the CPT codes are as follows: 63030 Laminotomy, with decompression of nerve roots, including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disk; one interspace, Lumbar (including open or endoscopically-assisted approach) 63035 Each additional interspace, cervical or lumbar (list separately in addition to the primary procedure).
Source: www.medtronicspinal.com
Is Selective Endoscopic Discectomy™ (SED™) the same as Automated Perctaneous Lumbar Discectomy (APLD)?
NO! APLD is another “blind” percutaneous procedure that relies on indirect decompression of the disc herniation similar to Nucleoplasty.
Source: www.sciatica.com
When are Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy (LED) and Microdiscectomy (MD) recommended?
Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy (LED) is recommended to treat herniated/protruded lumbar discs with or without annular tears and degenerative disc disease. This procedure is performed endoscopically with a small probe, under local anesthesia and there is no incision. Dr. MinhTran often combines the LED procedure with Thermal Annuloplasty procedure. Microdiscectomy is recommended to treat sequestered free fragment and bone spurs in the lumbar region. ...
Source: www.drminhtran.com
Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy (LED) is recommended to treat herniated/protruded lumbar discs with or without annular tears and degenerative disc disease. This procedure is performed endoscopically with a small probe, under local anesthesia and there is no incision. Dr. Schiffer often combines the LED procedure with Thermal Annuloplasty procedure. Microdiscectomy is recommended to treat sequestered free fragment and bone spurs in the lumbar region. ...
Source: www.laserspinetreatment.com
What are the advantages of the Non Traumatic Discectomy Procedure?
The primary advantage of this outpatient procedure is that it is effective and very low risk since there are no interferences with the muscles, bones, joints or manipulation of the nerves in your lower back area. Since the insertion of the probe through the muscle in the only wound, there is no scarring in or around the nerves. Because the Non Traumatic Discectomy procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you may be allowed to return home the day of the procedure. ...
Source: www.betterdiscsurgery.com
The primary advantage of this outpatient procedure is that it is effective and very low risk since there are no interferences with the muscles, bones, joints or manipulation of the nerves in your lower back area. Since the insertion of the probe through the muscle in the only wound, there is no scarring in or around the nerves. Because the Non Traumatic Discectomy procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you may be allowed to return home the day of the procedure. ...
Source: www.backinstitute.net
What are the long-term results of Cervical Endoscopic Discectomy (CED)?
In our eight years of experience of the CED (Cervical Endoscopic Discectomy) and 14 years of experience with the LED (Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy), the long-term results are excellent.
Source: www.laserspinetreatment.com
What is a Non Traumatic Discectomy?
A Non Traumatic Discectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure to remove herniated disc material. The procedure may be performed in the operating room or special procedures room at the hospital. Patients are administered a local anesthesia, consisting of an injection of anesthetic in the muscle (not a spinal block). Then using x-ray control, a small guide probe is inserted through the skin of the back, between the vertebra and into the herniated disc space. ...
Source: www.backinstitute.net
What is the correct code for a percutaneous suction discectomy procedure?
Assign code 80.59, "Other destruction of intervertebral disc," for a percutaneous suction discectomy procedure.
Source: www.medtronicspinal.com
Is Selective Endoscopic Discectomy™ (SED™) the same as Nucleoplasty/Coblation?
NO! Nucleoplasty/Coblation is limited to treating small contained herniations. A small probe is passed multiple times into the disc under fluoroscopic guidance. This probe is heated and ablates a small amount of tissue via a plasma field that is created. This relies on indirect reduction of the herniation. It is also a “blind” procedure lacking any visualization. ...
Source: www.sciatica.com
Who should consider the Non-Traumatic Discectomy procedure?
Non Traumatic Discectomy is specifically designed for patients with disc problems accompanied by the following: Recurring buttock, groin, low back, or leg pain, numbness or weakness Pain that has not responded to conservative treatments, i.e. bed rest, pain medication, physical therapy, or muscle relaxants Herniated disc confirmed by CT Scan, MRI Scan, Enhanced CT Scan, Myelography, or Discography. ...
Source: www.betterdiscsurgery.com
Non Traumatic Discectomy is specifically designed for patients with disc problems accompanied by the following: Recurring buttock, groin, low back, or leg pain, numbness or weakness Pain that has not responded to conservative treatments, i.e. bed rest, pain medication, physical therapy, or muscle relaxants Herniated disc confirmed by CT Scan, MRI Scan, Enhanced CT Scan, Myelography, or Discography. ...
Source: www.backinstitute.net
Why do other surgeons want to perform only disc fusions and not endoscopic discectomy?
Until mid 80's, fusion was considered the common solution for herniated discs. Ironically, most surgeons still believe in that theory. Medicine has made such advancement in the past 20 years and endoscopic discectomy is a great example of that progress. Endoscopic discectomy requires considerable training and experience, which most surgeons are yet to explore.
Source: www.laserspinetreatment.com
Is a patient with prior spine surgery a candidate for an endoscopic discectomy?
Patients with prior surgery can still undergo an endoscopic discectomy. However, the only definite contraindication would be a prior fusion at the same disc level.
Source: www.laserspinetreatment.com
Will I benefit from endoscopic discectomy?
A doctor who performs the procedure is the best person to answer that question. In many cases, endoscopic discectomy can return the quality of life you had prior to the onset of the leg and low back pain.
Source: www.mispine.org
Can I have an MRI after having an Anterior Cevical Discectomy and Fusion?
MRI or CT scans are perfomed on patients that have had spinal fusion with titanium instrumentation to rule out re-herniation or to aid the physician in diagnosing a new problem. Always inform the imaging technician perfoming the MRI or CT scan that you have spinal instrumentation. Prestige Total Disc Replacement Review FAQs for the Prestige Artificial Disc. Review Prestige Artificial Disc cases here .
Source: www.neckpainexplained.com
ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS THAT OCCUR WITH SELECTIVE ENDOSCOPIC DISCECTOMY™ SURGERY?
All surgical procedures have potential risks and possible complications and those associated with selective endoscopic discectomy™ surgery are similar but much less common than following open back surgery. The most common complications are: 1-persistent nerve root pain either due to minor manipulation of the nerve or regeneration of the nerve that was damaged prior to surgery. ...
Source: www.back-pain-online.com
Is Selective Endoscopic Discectomy™ (SED™) the same as Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty (IDET)?
No! Selective Endoscopic Discectomy™ with thermal annuloplasty is differentiated from IDET because SED™ is a visualized and targeted surgical procedure. A minimal discectomy is done to decompress the intradiscal pressure and more importantly, remove any interpositional nuclear material within the annular fibers that may be preventing the tear from healing. SED™ also utilizes continuous cool irrigation which flushes out the neurotoxic chemicals within the disc and removes any by-products of thermal modulation. ...
Source: www.sciatica.com
Why is the Non Traumatic Discectomy at the Back Institute better for me than other surgical options?
Clinical results with Non Traumatic Discectomy, as compared to alternative surgical procedures, have proven: Excellent success rates of up to 93% Less risk of infections No stitches No serious complications No general anesthesia No blood loss (i.e., no risk from blood transfusion) Less hospitalization (many patients return home immediately) (7)
Source: www.betterdiscsurgery.com
Clinical results with Non Traumatic Discectomy, as compared to alternative surgical procedures, have proven: Excellent success rates of up to 93% Less risk of infections No stitches No serious complications No general anesthesia No blood loss (i.e., no risk from blood transfusion) Less hospitalization (many patients return home immediately) (8)
Source: www.backinstitute.net
What determines whether I will have an operation from in front (anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion) or from behind (cervical laminectomy)?
Quite simply, if the disc or spur is pressing on the cord or nerve root from in front, then that is the preferred method of removal. In that way, the spinal cord or nerve root does not have to be retracted or even touched. The anterior route is preferred especially when there is just one level involved. If there are multiple levels, and/or if the pressure on the neural structures is from behind, then the preferred route is from behind.
Source: www.hlcares.com
COULD YOU SUMMARIZE WHY SELECTIVE ENDOSCOPIC DISCECTOMY™ BACK SURGERY WORKS?
Anthony Yeung has performed more than 2000 of these procedures and originated this technique with the YESS endoscope and taught me his technique. Based upon his experience we believe that this technique is successful because of several factors. The abnormal portion of the disc that is creating internal pressure against the annulus and nerve root is removed. ...
Source: www.back-pain-online.com
How is Non-Traumatic Discectomy different from open Lumbar Disc Surgery?
Non Traumatic Discectomy is different from open lumbar disc surgery because there is no traumatic back muscle dissection, no bone removal, or large skin incision. The risk of complications from scarring, blood loss, infection, and anesthesia that may occur with conventional surgery are drastically reduced or eliminated with this procedure. Non Traumatic Discectomy was invented to be an effective treatment for herniated discs while avoiding these risks. (5)
Source: www.backinstitute.net
I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROCEDURE IS DONE WITH LOCAL ANESTHESIA-HOW MUCH PAIN IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DISCOGRAM AND THE SELECTIVE ENDOSCOPIC DISCECTOMY™?
You are correct, we do the whole back surgery procedure with
local anesthesia , however, there is an anesthesiologist who inserts an intravenous line to give you a slight amount of sedation which relaxes you. The amount of medication given is similar to about 1-2 glasses of wine in its effect. He will also monitor your blood pressure and other vital signs during the procedure. You are completely awake during the discogram and the selective endoscopic discectomy and can even watch the procedure on the monitor is you wish.
Source: www.back-pain-online.com
