Lumbar Percutaneous Diskectomy

Lumbar Percutaneous Diskectomy is performed for the removal of offending disk fragments in a minimally invasive manner. Potential benefits of this technique include:

Quicker return to normal activities
Less post operative pain
Less damage to muscle and skin
Easier rehabilitation
Smaller scars
Less blood loss

Performing the Procedure

With the patient asleep, under x-ray guidance, a guide wire is inserted into the back at the level of the herniated disk. Dilators are then placed over the guide wire in progressively larger sizes. A tube is then placed over the dilator and the dilator removed. The removal of the offending fragments of disk can then be accomplished through the tube.

Fig. 1: Under x-ray fluoroscopic viewing, a guide wire is placed in the appropriate location over the herniated disk.

Fig. 2: Dilators are then placed over the guide wire in progressively larger sizes.


Fig. 3: A tube is then placed over the dilator and the dilator removed. Fluoroscopy is used to confirm appropriate position.		Fig. 4: The removal of the offending fragments of disk can then be accomplished through the tube.




	Fig. 5: The tube is removed and the skin incision closed.

For additional information on the pathology of a herniated disk, please click here. Conventional micro diskectomy, in many instances is the best procedure for treatment of a herniated disk that has not responded to conservative treatments. The newer, percutaneous procedure described on this page can be used only in selected cases. Your doctor will provide details of the procedure that is right for you as well as the benefits and risks. He will also provide instructions for your care before and after the procedure.