Percuaneous Discectomy IDET

What is Percutaneous Discectomy IDET?

Discs are pliable structures within the spinal column that provide support and cushion between each of your vertebrae. A herniated disc (also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc) occurs when the viscous interior of the disc leaks through its outer membrane, irritating nerves and causing back or neck pain.

Percutaneous Discectomy (also known as Percutaneous Disc Decompression or Dekompressor Discectomy) is a minimally invasive treatment option in which a small fluoroscopically-guided needle is inserted into the spine to remove some tissue from the interior of the disc using a rotating probe. This allows the herniation to be reabsorbed by the disc, reducing painful pressure on the nerves and restoring stability to the spine.

How do you prepare for Percutaneous Discectomy IDET?

You should avoid eating anything for at least six hours prior to the surgery. You may be asked to temporarily stop taking certain medications and should inform your doctor if you have recently taken antibiotics or have had any recent symptoms of cold, flu, or fever. You should be accompanied by someone who can drive you home following the procedure.

Why is Percutaneous Discectomy IDET performed?

Percutaneous Disc Decompression is intended to address spinal instability and back and neck pain resulting from a herniated disc. It is generally only performed in situations where the patient’s pain symptoms have not responded to treatments such as exercise, physical therapy, nerve block injections, and medications.

What can you expect during Percutaneous Discectomy IDET?

During the procedure, you will lie on your stomach while your doctor connects an IV line and equipment to monitor your blood pressure, blood oxygen, and heart rate. You will be placed under local anesthesia and your doctor will use x-ray to precisely direct a needle to the affected disc. Once the needle is placed at the site of the herniation, the probe will be activated to remove a small part of the disc’s interior, relieving pressure and pain. The procedure should take less than an hour in all.

What is the followup and recovery like for Percutaneous Discectomy IDET?

You will get about a half hour for rest and observation following the procedure before being sent home. Most patients who receive Percutaneous Disc Decompression will begin to feel an improvement in symptoms immediately after the procedure, but in some cases there is lingering soreness that lasts up to a few days. If you begin to develop a fever after the procedure, contact a doctor immediately, as this may be a sign of infection.

What are the potential risks for Percutaneous Discectomy IDET?

This is generally a very safe procedure which has found to be less risky on the whole than more invasive surgical discectomy. 90% of patients who receive Percutaneous Discectomy report improved pain symptoms following the procedure. There is a small risk of infection if the instruments used in the procedure are not properly sterilized, and any fever symptoms that begin to develop following your appointment should be immediately reported to your doctor.